A Prayer for Advent Week 1

“Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 

– Luke 21.28

God of Hope,

The countdown Advent days have begun

and the frantic pace is settling in.

In these days of preparation when

demands seem more,

needs seem high,

and expectations seem otherworldly,

let us settle into hope. 

Your hope, O God, 

is not of gifts wanted,

chores done,

or cookies baked.

Your hope is about the movement of the heart,

how light settles into us this season,

and how we carry this light

as hope-bearers on the way to the manger.

In these Advent days

fill us with your hope, O God,

for it is the anchor of faith

and the response of love.

As each Advent day disappears 

may we be renewed 

as pilgrims on the way

to the Bethlehem crib.

Guide us, O God, 

in your ways of hope

so, the frantic pace 

may know moments of pause,

the demands

gain perspective,

the needs 

met with kindness,

and the expectations

seen in perspective.

In this Advent season 

we will gather with family and friends

in these moments

stir up in our hearts 

hope 

which leads us to the manger (not the malls) 

where we will meet the Child

- our true and lasting Hope.

Amen.

Photo Credit: René Porter