Liturgy
You are our eternal salvation,
The unfailing light of the world.
Light everlasting,
You are truly our redemption.
Grieving that the human race was perishing
through the tempter’s power,
without leaving the heights
You came to the depths in your loving kindness.
Readily taking our humanity by Your gracious will,
You saved all earthly creatures, long since lost,
Restoring joy to the world.
Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ,
and so possess us as Your shining dwellings.
By Your first coming, make us righteous;
At your second coming, set us free:
that we may serve you and all your creations in full confidence
and when the world is filled with light
and you judge all things,
may we be clad in spotless robes
and follow in Your steps, O King,
Into the heavenly hall.
We light these candles of hope, peace and joy,
and await your advent with us.
Congregational Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
who is, who was, and who is to come,
we pray for the virtue of hope,
that amidst the trials and difficulties
of this world,
we may keep our hearts fixed
upon you, who reigns over the cosmos.
May your grace enliven us,
strengthen us,
and defend us,
as we await your coming glory.
In the name of the Father, the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
Reflection
Where is God turning you?
How will you seek justice in your workplace or home this week?
Are you content with your possesions?
What do you have that can be shared with others?
Benediction
Rejoice in God always, and again I say, rejoice
For God has created you with the capacity for joy.
We will find what makes us joyful,
And make that our gift to the world.
Trust in God’s good will for all of creation
and open yourself to God’s gentle, transforming love.
We will welcome new possibilities in our lives
We will offer ourselves to God’s goodness.
We will go forth in hope, and peace, and joy.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Kerstin I @ Flickr]