Liturgy
God spoke in the beginning;
out of darkness came night and day,
out of emptiness came creation,
out of loneliness came humankind.
And God said, “This is very good.”
God spoke when the world was troubled;
giving voice to prophets from the earliest days,
moving through Mary as she gave birth to her child,
crying as a vulnerable baby lying in a manger.
Still God said, “This is very good.”
God speaks today;
breathing energy into our weary lives,
challenging our celebrations and sharing our pain,
dancing with songs of justice and peace.
Now we know that, “This is very good.”
We light the fourth Advent candle,
a candle which symbolizes the love of Christ
and await the coming of the promised King.
Congregational Prayer
In prayer, let us pray to God as a community.
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
What are the things that break our hearts?
Do we practice the presence of God and how do we settle God into our lives?
Benediction
Go now: wait and work for the coming of the day of God.
In the wild places prepare a straight path for the Lord.
Lead lives of holiness and godliness,
strive to be found at peace,
and speak freely of the Lord’s comfort and promise.
And may God, our Shepherd, gather you in loving arms;
May Christ Jesus reconcile justice and peace within you;
And may the Holy Spirit baptize you into the life of God.
Let us leave here to serve our Lord faithfully and full of hope
in this Advent season.
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.
[Photo by aaaamandaaaa @ Flickr]