The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen.
“To bless” means to mark with a sign. Ever since Our Lord died upon the cross, the Christians are signed with the cross. At our Baptism this was done for the first time to us. At every Communion Service we are under the cross. This sign of the Cross accompanies us throughout our whole life. In the cross, salvation has been given to us, and protection, grace, and eternal peace as well.
“The Little Service Book” was written by the Rev. Berthold von Schenk (1895-1974), pastor of Our Saviour—New York, as an explanation of the Common Service for children.
