Liturgy

As we enter into the season of Advent,
may we grow still enough to hear
the small noises earth makes in preparing for the long sleep of winter,
so that we ourselves may grow calm and grounded deep within.

May we grow still enough to hear
the trickling of water seeping into the hard ground,
so that our souls may also be softened and healed, guided in its flow.

May we grow still enough to hear
the stir of winter’s wind in the air.
O, that our inner silence may turn into hushed expectation
of our Messiah’s arrival.

Peace….. the angel proclaimed.
But peace is as much a task as it is a gift.

This is why we ask of you, oh God, for a great inner stillness
which alone allows us to speak, even today,
without irony of “peace on earth”
and, without despair, to work towards it.

And so, on this first Sunday of Advent,
we light a candle symbolizing your gift of peace,
praising the name of the Father,
of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Community Confession

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

What parts of our identity do we need to leave behind in order to claim our new identity and inheritance?
How can we help those inside and outside our community begin to expect resurrection?
Where, in our lives and in our neighborhoods, can we proclaim resurrection?

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 anna gawlak @ Flickr]