Liturgy
There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars.
We have walked and lived in darkness,
but we have seen a great light…
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Wise Men and shepherds saw signs
that foretold Jesus’ coming 2000 years ago.
Today we don’t look for a single brilliant star
to follow or for angels singing in the heavens.
We look for other signs that Jesus is with us, signs that:
…we are feeding the hungry, healing the sick,
…clothing the naked, caring for the poor,
…working for justice and righteousness in our city and in our world.
And so we watch and wait, staying alert
and waiting again for the coming of Jesus
as we light a single candle in preparation for that glorious day.
Reflection
Have you ever experienced situations that seemed hopeless?
During these times, what did your faith look like?
In difficult situations, how can faith inspire hope?
During the season of advent, how can your hope inspire the faith of others?
Benediction
We are witnesses of the dawning of that great light
come into the world — Immanuel, God with us.
May we depart from this gathering with our faces set on the Son,
that our lives may serve as a reflection of God’s light
in the midst of our darkness,
that our very lives may announce the advent of the Messiah.
We serve our city in the name of the Father,
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by loupiote (Old Skool) @ Flickr]