Advent:  Expectancy of the Hope in Christ

Eternal God, you who are greater in power, glory, and love than we can imagine; give us a sense of reverence for the mysterious and eternal quality of the incarnation that we may observe this Advent season in ways whereby our routine lives may be touched with a thrilling quality of newness which we have not known.

We thank you for the prophets and poets, teachers and men and women of wisdom who have left us their witness to guide us in our preparation for Christmas.  Our Father, give us an appreciation for all wholesome merriment, for rekindled affections, for expressions of love and the thoughtfulness that mark our celebration.

We pray that the Spirit that gave birth to the Word that became flesh, may give birth to a new spirit in us, that we may look upon others with the compassion and concern and love which came into the world through the birth of our Savior.

As we come to celebrate this festival with joy, we remember those who are sad or in distress of any kind.  Be near those who are unhappy or depressed by ill-health, or loneliness, or failure, or loss, and by sins that disturb; and sins they have not forgiven in others.

Help us to feel for and act as Christians toward those who feel forgotten when so many are remembered, especially those who do not have enough to eat, or wear, and are ill-housed. 

You who responded to the hope of Israel through the coming of Christ, now respond to our expectancy, and make us attentive to your coming, that through these days of preparation our hearts may be open to you and let our arms of love reach out to those whose needs await our response in your name.  And give us above all the spirit of Christmas in our hearts.  This we ask in His name.

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