CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather today to wait for the Lord. Our souls wait, and in God's word we hope.
Our souls wait for the Lord, more than those who watch for the morning.
O children of God, hope in the Lord.
For with God there is steadfast love and great power to redeem.
OPENING PRAYER
The day is short and the night is long, O God. Our hearts long for the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word. Increase in us the hope of a Savior, and give us strength and courage as we await his coming, that at his birth we may rejoice in his birth. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—after Chalice Worship
ADVENT WREATH
The night has long been upon us. We long for the light—the fulfillment of God's promise of wholeness.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!
Though the light has not yet arrived, we wait and watch for the dawning of God's glory. We light this candle of hope to shine in the darkness. It reminds us to stay awake and keep watch, for the Promised One is on his way.
O come, O come, Emmanuel
[The first candle is lit.]
Let us pray. How we long for the light of your presence, O Holy God! Guide us from the night of our hopelessness and lead us toward the dawning of your new day. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule.
We confess that we have not put our hope in your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment.
[A silence is kept for personal confession]
We accept lies as truth, exploit our neighbors, neglect your creation, and refuse your justice and peace.
In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.
—Book of Common Worship (alt.)
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, you are the light of a dark world, drawing everything to your love. You reorder the world, so that the humble and afflicted can thrive in the face of the great and powerful. Help us to remember that our lives are lived in your light. Give us clarity and courage this week to witness to your grace in every situation we encounter.
We pray that the brightness of your word will shine where darkness is deepest, embracing the sick, the lonely, the imprisoned, the unemployed and homeless.
Stand between those who serve darkness and those who are vulnerable. And strengthen those who stand up for the weak. Help your church to be true to your word.
Stop those who serve the darkness, who take advantage of the suffering of others. Strengthen those who stand by the side of the weak and work for justice. Help your church to remain in your word that we may bear the hope of peace into a troubled world. We ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, whose coming we await. Amen.
