Liturgy
Emmanuel, God with us,
Savior to captives and prisoners everywhere,
at the celebration of your birth
be with each lonely soul
exiled behind bars.
Emmanuel, God with us,
Savior to leaders and rulers everywhere,
at the celebration of your birth
protect those with power
from temptations of tyranny and exploitation.
Emmanuel, God with us,
Savior to families and friends in pain,
at the celebration of your birth
cheer spirits with your advent
in the darkness of every heart.
Emmanuel, God with us,
Key of David, who can unlock any door,
may we honor your birth
and find you in the faces of those we cherish,
and in those we do not know.
Emmanuel, God with us,
We light this candle of peace,
hoping you will calm our world from turmoil,
and we celebrate your holy presence with us.
Reflection
Is there anything in my religion, background, or culture I need to let go of?
How can I be part of what God is doing during this season of advent?
Benediction
Take your encouragement from Christ,
that your joy may be complete.
We will share in the Spirit;
We will find consolation in love.
Practice a ministry of humility and compassion,
For God is at work in you, empowering you.
We will welcome Christ into our hearts.
We will live lives worthy of the Gospel.
We will go forth in hope and in peace.
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 shoothead @ Flickr]