Third Sunday in Advent, 2008

Advent Abundance

Gracious and merciful God,
Your love flows forth in lavish concern for us.
Your tidings speak forever of your abundant love.

In these Advent days,
Walk with us through the darkness toward a new dawn.
Take us by the hand through the uncertain shadows,
So we may find ourselves in your Light and Love.

Your prophet John pierced the doubt of his followers.
His testimony remains our source of challenge and comfort.
His baptisms still prepare us for the fire of your Spirit.

Anoint the brokenhearted with your oil of gladness and forgiveness.
Anoint your people bandaged in self-loathing and loss.
Anoint the feet of the strangers in our midst and welcome them.

Wrap your beloved in a shroud of hope and protection.
Wrap our elderly in an embrace of patience and peace.
Wrap your arms around our friends who cannot love themselves.

Clothe us in robes of salvation and harmony.
Clothe our naked friends who are lost among addictions and disease.
Clothe our nations in lasting and comforting peace.

God, you plant a garden of justice for those in need.
In our Advent prayer,
Bring your love to the poor and sprout hope for all people.
We rejoice heartily and forever,
In Christ who is the joy of our souls now and for all eternity.

Amen