Liturgy
In his days justice and peace will flourish till the moon fails.
In his days justice shall flourish and the voice of those
who are oppressed will be heard.
The poor will receive enough on which to live
and the rich will share gladly the abundance they have received
at the hand of God.
O come, O come, Emmanuel.
Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
We celebrate the arrival of Christ, future, present and past,
worshiping in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
Choosing to be among your people
in the weakness and humility of a child, you are God-with-us.
Come establish your peace and justice with integrity and with mercy.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we pray.
Amen.
Congregational Prayer
Lord God, Master of light and darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon this Advent season.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces
to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things are thankful
to your advent among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy
of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you, we say, “Come Lord Jesus.”
We ask in the name of the Father,
of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reflection
Recall the things we can be thankful for that God has done this past year.
What are some of areas of our lives that we need his guidance this upcoming year?
Benediction
Depart in peace, and take with you the certain knowledge
That Jesus is always coming into the world.
We will seek Jesus, not in a long ago stable or ancient manger,
But in the people we meet and in the depths of our own hearts.
May the blessing of Christmas make you a blessing to others;
May the peace of the season pervade all that you do.
We will welcome the challenge of discipleship.
We will offer ourselves as God’s ministers.
We will go forth in hope, peace, joy, and love as one church.
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Go in peace and live the church. See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Old Shoe Woman @ Flickr]