Author: Robin.Kyd

Loving and Living God, you brighten our lives by this yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ. Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence see and receive him when he comes to complete the work of redemption for we know he lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen

We praise you, eternal God, for the voices you give us, for the roles you entrust to us,
for the company you surround us with – angels, shepherds, Mary and Joseph,
friends and family, our communities, and our brothers and sisters around the world.
All creation has a share in your redeeming purposes and a place in your heart.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Amen

Christ our Saviour, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you:
grant that we, who follow you today as modern disciples may likewise so prepare and make ready your way
by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,
that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight and inherit the Kingdom with you.
Amen

Loving God, you sent you Son to destroy the plans of the evil one
and to make us co-heirs of eternal life:
grant that we, having this hope, may purify ourselves even as he is pure;
that when he shall appear in power and great glory
we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom;
where he is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen

Christ our redeemer, you came, so that we might know we are yours by choice;
loved, embraced, saved and welcomed to your family and precious in your sight.
In this Advent, draw us together in unity that our praise and worship
might echo in these walls and also through our lives.
You came, so that we might be made complete, draw us together in mission,
that the hope within might be the song we sing, and the melody of our lives.
Amen

Christ the King of our hearts, our scripture stories tell us, you are a shepherd to the lost and the least.
Teach us to see your face among the poor; feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty,
welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting those who are sick or in prison –
so that we may share in your eternal realm prepared from the foundation of the world;
and wait with eager expectation for your second coming to reign with justice, compassion, and love.
Amen

[Minister] God of all nations; we pray for those who have been injured or disabled through war;
[Men] for those who have lost homes and security through conflict;
for those who have lost loved relatives in wars;
for those who face danger and take risks for peace.
[Women] We pray for all those, especially children, caught up in current conflicts;
for refugees and all those in need of aid and other help.
[Minister] God of encouragement and Saviour of the despairing,
[All] Comfort those who remember past sacrifices
and guide us in building a just and peaceful community for all.
Amen

Living God, you created us as a people
and claimed us for your own by the precious blood of your Son and our Lord.
As we come before you this day to acknowledge your Sovereignty and grace,
and to renew our covenant with you and our brothers and sisters,
we pray that you will reveal any reluctance or falsehood within us.
Let your Spirit impress the truth of your desire for us to be one with each other
as you are One with Christ.
Amen