Third Sunday of Advent
Opening Prayer
Gracious God, as we sit with you, may your presence illuminate us with light and warmth like that of a glowing fireplace. We draw close Lord.
Invitation
As you read the poem below, notice the ways in which Emmanuel, God with us, comes to us, comes to you, even in the waiting.
While We Wait
While we wait,
Longing for answers
and for hope realized
We slow our step,
Pausing and paying attention
Noticing and Pondering
Signs of your presence
Around us
We quiet ourselves
Listening for your whispers
Reminding us we are your beloved
For You leave us not alone
And so
Pausing and paying attention
Noticing and Pondering
We seek to recognize you
In the faces we meet
And in the little gifts received
A warm smile
Shared tears
Children’s laughter
The words of a friend
While we wait
Longing for answers and for hope realized
We seek to recognize you
In the many ways you come to us
Reminding us
We are your beloved
And You leave us not alone.
Amen.
(Rev. Eva Sullivan-Knoff, copyright 2019)
