Advent I - A Day of Hope

For your reflection, the Prayer following the lighting of the 

Candle of Hope for Advent I:

So many in your world, Holy God, have lost hope 

or put their hope in false promises.

Sometimes it feels like you aren't with us,

but are far, far away.

We pray that you come into our world again.

Be Emmanuel for us

so we may notice where you are already present.

Enter our hearts

so we may learn to see in new ways

the creative power of hope.

Help us live into your hope

so that we may be your light 

shining in the dark places of our world.

We pray this in the name 

of the one

who was born in Bethlehem

and whose return we await.

AMEN

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.

Wait for the Lord; 

Be strong, 

Take heart.