BLESSING OF AN ADVENT WREATH

C:        In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

All:      Amen.

C:        Our help is in the name of the Lord

All:      who made heaven and earth.

 

SCRIPTURE READING : Isaiah 9, Isaiah 63, or Isaiah 64. 

Let Us Pray:

Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:
He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,
He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,
He is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light
be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.
May He come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

 

PRAYER OF HENRI NOUWEN FOR ADVENT

Lord Jesus, Master of both light and darkness,

send your Holy Spirit upon our preparation for Christmas. 

We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. 

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your Kingdom. 

We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence. 

We are Your people, walking in darkness yet seeking the light. To You, we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”