Approaching Advent

Gathering at Advent: A prayer of approach, and some thoughts (John)

It’s good, Living God, to gather again at Advent and hear the glad sounds of the coming Christ.

The words of faith in scripture and in song gladden our hearts and challenge our consciences once again.

And it’s good to take time to listen to Advent sounds amidst the din of Christmas that can so deafen us every year.

So we thank you for this time of listening and of waiting and of reflecting –we seek the help of the Holy Spirit to use this time well.

Living God, we know there are other sounds

that we need to hear at Advent. So forgive us when we do not hear the sounds of our sisters and brothers across the world in refugee camp and disaster zone; when we do not hear the sounds of the suffering earth, of dying species, of polluted seas; when we do not hear the sounds of our lonely neighbour, of broken families, of empty homes.

Help us, by your grace, not to let Advent sweep us mindlessly towards the birthday of Jesus.

May the sounds of our faith inspire and encourage us to reflection, to action, to love; and may this time be one not of nostalgia so much as of preparation –a time for us to help prepare the way of the Lord now, in our world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen

December 6, 2009, Iona Parish Church