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 the third candle of joy,
and we celebrate your holy presence with us,

in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Congregational Prayer

In prayer, let us confess 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
for your advent among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
Hear our prayer and speak to our hearts, oh God.

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 pray in the name of the Father,
of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Reflection

How can we embrace God’s presence in our lives in spite of our circumstances and situations?
What are the things we need to practice so that God’s peace will be experienced in our lives?

Benediction

In this Advent season, go now,
as the Spirit of God has called you:

to be a waiting people of grace,
to be a waiting people of truth,
to be a waiting people who pursue peace,

to be a people who forgive
and to be a waiting people who love.

May God lead and guide us
in the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by a y l i n e a y l i n e @ Flickr]