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OPENING VERSES
We light the First Candle on the Advent Wreath. Then make the sign of the cross as we say or sing:
O Holy ONE + open my lips,
~And my mouth will proclaim your praise.
Blest is the One who comes in the NAME of our God
~Hosanna in the highest!
MORNING HYMN
Each winter as the year grows older, We each grow older too.
The chill sets in a little colder; The verities we knew Seem shaken and untrue.
When race and class cry out for treason, when sirens call for war,
They over-shout the voice of reason, And scream till we ignore All we held dear before.
Yet I believe beyond believing, That life can spring from death;
That growth can flower from our grieving; That we can catch our breath And turn transfixed by faith.
So even as the sun is turning To journey to the north,
The living flame, in secret burning, Can kindle on the earth, And bring God’s love to birth.
O Child of ecstasy and sorrows, O Prince of peace and pain,
Brighten today’s world by tomorrow’s, Renew our lives again: Lord Jesus, come and reign!
Text: William Gay; Tune: CAROL OF HOPE, 96 966 by Annabeth Gay
PSALMODY
Psalm 24/25
To You, O LOVE, I lift my soul; to You I lift my soul.
O Holy One, make me know your ways,
teach me your paths,
steer me toward your truth and teach me,
for you are my salvation;
you are my constant hope.
For you are good and just,
happy to guide those who miss their way.
You lead those who are humble toward wisdom,
and teach your ways to the poor.
Your ways are loving and sure
for those who love your truth.
For all who revere your word
are guided in every choice.
Then we would live with abundance
and our children would flourish on Earth.
Your friendship is offered to all;
your kindness to every generation.
To You, O LOVE, I lift my soul, to you I lift my soul!
Antiphon by Marty Haugen; (c) GIA Publications, 1982.
READING: Isaiah 25: 6-10
“On this Mountain, Adonai Sabbaoth will make for all people a FEAST of
rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.”
On this mountain the Holy One will destroy the veil that veils all peoples,
the web that is woven over all nations, and will destroy death forever.
The God of compassion will wipe away the tears from all faces;
the disgrace of this people will be removed from the whole earth.
The Word of Adonai. ~Thanks be to God.
Responsory:
R. The LORD will come to save this people, *and God’s own Self will be our peace.
V. On that promised day, all the peaks will drip with newest wine, and the hills will flow with milk and honey *and God’s own Self will be our peace.
Gospel Canticle of Zachary Luke 1:68-79
Gospel Antiphon:
“Make the people sit down,” said Jesus.
And when he gave thanks and praise, everyone had enough to eat. Alleluia
It is customary to make the sign of the cross at the beginning of the Gospel Canticle.
Blessed + be Adonai, the God of Israel,
Who visits this people to set us free
Raising for us a sign of salvation
In the house and family of David.
God promised throughout past ages
In words of holy prophets
To save us from our enemies,
And from the control of our oppressors.
Adonai favored our ancestors
And remembered the sacred covenant.
The pledge to Abraham and Sarah
Is now renewed for us;
That freed from the grip of our foes
We might worship without fear
And be both just and holy
For the rest of our days.
And you, child, called “prophet of the Most High,”
Will go ahead to prepare the way,
By teaching this people of salvation
Through forgiveness of their sins.
For the loving compassion of the Holy One
As the Rising Sun has shown upon us
To Illumine the darkness and dispel death’s shadow
To guide our feet on the way of peace.
Glory to the ONE through the WORD
In the BREATH of Love!
As always before, so now and evermore. Amen
“Make the people sit down,” said Jesus.
And when he gave thanks and praise, everyone had enough to eat. Alleluia
Intercessory Prayer
Lord Jesus, you blessed the loaves and fish and everyone had enough to eat:
~Move us with your compassion to share our gifts with those who hunger and thirst.
Christ Jesus, you stretched out your hands to heal all those suffering from sickness and shame: ~ Stretch our hearts and our lives to reach out to all who need healing today.
Lord Jesus, you prepared a feast for all people and all creatures in your gift of creation:
~Free us from the tendency to hoard and teach us to share the abundance.
Gathering our prayers and praise into one, we pray as Jesus taught the disciples:
Our Dear Abba in heaven …
Closing Prayer & Blessing
Stir up your love, O Jesus, and come. As a mother hen spreads her wings to gather her brood, extend your arms to gather and protect us. Free us to bring the warmth of your love to a world freezing in loneliness and fear. For yours is the glory and power of Love, now and forever. Amen.
May God bless us and keep us. Amen
May the Light of God’s face shine on us. Amen
May God be gracious to us and give + us peace. Amen
Let us bless Adonai. ~Thanks be to God.