Advent Litany for 1 December 2013

Advent Litany for December 1, 2013

First Sunday in Advent

(Read by leader)

Opening:

Advent is a time of anticipation, of waiting.

It is a season of hope,

when we climb the highest mountain

and lift our eyes to the stars.

It is a time for preparing our hearts,

when we set aside grievances,

beating our swords into ploughshares,

when we turn to our neighbor and give a hug

or a squeeze of a hand.

It is a time to watch, and to listen.

And to remember God's promise of peace for all.

Lighting of the candle:

We light this first candle of our Advent wreath,

looking ahead to the days that are coming.

And as we do, we wonder...

What do we wait for?

What is our hope?

How will the Christ child come to us?

How can we keep all children safe and warm?

How can we bring peace to our earth?

And so,

we quiet our hearts to hear.

We try and stay awake to see.

We wait and we wonder.

Congregational response:

One: Together we quiet our hearts and we pray:

All: Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

             Advent Litany by K. K. Hudson-Bates