With childlike anticipation we watch and wait:
for advent to become Christmas
for light to shine in darkness
for Word to become flesh.
As we await the ultimate authority spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, we pray that those who lead in classrooms and boardrooms, those with power in government and business, and those who guide the faith community and the family would do so with humility and honesty.
As we await the Savior of the world, we pray for all people who lead lives according to their own wills and wishes. May their encounters with Christ-followers challenge their understanding of hope and encourage their interest in the holy.
As we await the one who will give sight to the blind and heal the sick, we pray for those who live with pain, those who suffer with long-term illness, and for those who endure difficulties in daily living. May your comforting presence be made real to each person. In silence, we bring to you the names and needs of those we know personally . . . trusting them to your loving embrace.
As we await the one who will eat with sinners and spend time with those on the margins of society, we pray for all who live on the fringe today. Bless the efforts of those who seek to give voice to those who have been silenced by oppression. May none be omitted from full participation in the human family.
As we await the one who will fulfill the law and the prophets, we are reminded of those who have come before us and who have served you faithfully. We give thanks for the many faithful disciples who have served you through this congregation and those who have been mentors to us on our journey of faith. We commit ourselves anew to living out our faith even now as we pray together the Lord’s prayer . . .
Note: Consideration of both the Old and New Testament lessons (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 and John 1:1-14)