The word Advent means "coming." During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts once again for the arrival of Jesus. The following prayer celebration is penitential in nature. Use this liturgy as a non-sacramental opportunity to deepen awareness of the need for healing and forgiveness.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Advent for additional background information and prayer.

See also the "O Antiphons" activity from Feasts and Seasons–Kids–Advent–Level 6.


"Awaiting Our Savior" – Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Awaiting the coming of the Messiah
Materials		Prayer table with Bible and Advent Wreath or candle, music
Reading		Mark 1:2-8
Music		"Come, Lord Jesus," Marilyn Ifcic (OCP Publications), "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," Blest Are We CD 7-8, "My Soul in Stillness Waits," Marty Haugen (GIA Publications)
Preparation		Describe the "O Antiphons" for participants as a series of hymn verses sung or chanted during liturgies between December 17 and 23. Note that each one calls for the coming of the Messiah. Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Awaiting Our Savior." Select readers and a leader.
Adaptation		Following the reading of each O Antiphon, in place of the response given, sing the appropriate verse from "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see Prayer Celebrations, Middle School Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30570-1 Blest Are We CD, Level/Grade 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2