PRAYER IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP: As the birth of any child is a miracle beyond our comprehension, O God, how much more so is the birth of Mary’s child. We cry out in awe and wonder at the marvel of your love and the mystery of your Word made flesh. May we, through all our days, bring honor to our Lord, who shared life in the flesh with us. In Christ’s holy name we pray. Amen.
Lighting the Advent Wreath of Joy
L: In this season of Advent, we celebrate God’s joy.
P: Knowing that Christ is coming, to bring healing and wholeness to the world, is a source of genuine delight!
L: When we gather for worship it is a celebration, an opportunity to rejoice in all that God is doing among us and beyond us.
P: Our lives are marked by laughter and friendship, as we love our neighbors with wide smiles and open arms.
L: Even when we face difficulty and trouble we sing a song of faith, confident that Jesus is able to redeem our suffering world.
P: Together, we are a sign of God’s joy in the world.
Unison Prayer
God of transformation, we rejoice that you lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. We marvel at your power to change hearts and lives. Fill us with your Spirit this season so that our voices declare your goodness and our lives proclaim your mercy in Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God, we have been selfish. You have given us great news to share with our lost and dying world, but we have kept it to ourselves. We have let the fear of rejection, among other things, keep us from speaking the truth about you to those we love. Forgive us, Lord, and fill us with your Spirit. Give us the courage and the words we need, to share Your Good News with the people that ask. From the depth of our hearts we ask, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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