Liturgy–Awaiting Our Savior

Prayer Celebration Directions

GATHERING SONG
GATHERING PRAYER
Leader		We are making ready the way of the Lord as we prepare for Jesus coming into our lives at Christmas. As have faithful people before us, we say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come." We express our joyful hope during this season of Advent.
READING
Reader		A reading from the Gospel of Mark. (Read Mark 1:2-8.) The Gospel of the Lord.
All		Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
O ANTIPHONS
Reader 1		O Wisdom who came from the mouth of the Most High, who reaches from beginning to end, come and show us your way.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
Reader 2		O Lord and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the law on Mount Sinai, come and set us free.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
Reader 3		O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign for all peoples and all nations; nations bow before you, come and save us.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
Reader 4		O Key of David and ruler of the house of Israel, make our pathways safe, come and free us.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
Reader 5		O Dawn of the East, bright and eternal light, sun of all justice, come and bring us your light.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
Reader 6		O King of nations, you who will bring all peoples together, end our divisions and make us one.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
Reader 7		O Emmanuel, our king and ruler, the savior of the world, come, save us and set us free.
All		Come, Lord Jesus, come. Bring hope to all your people.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader		God of history, your Son, Jesus, has many titles. Help us in our waiting for him, the gift of your love. We pray that you will make Jesus the center of our lives and help our faith to be strong in both word and deed. Bless our families and our faith community so that the light of Christ may shine through us to reach the hearts of those around us. We ask this through Christ our Lord,
All		Amen.
CLOSING SONG