The Fourth Sunday in Advent
Today is the fourth and final Sunday of Advent when we light the fourth candle in our Advent Wreath.
The fourth candle is the Angel’s Candle representing peace: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’ (Luke 2:13–14).
If you are worshiping from home today we welcome you with our written service of prayers, readings and music.
Opening Collect
God our redeemer,
who prepared the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of your Son:
grant that, as she looked for his coming as our saviour,
so we may be ready to greet him
when he comes again as our judge;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Opening Hymn
A Prayer for Advent
The Advent story
of hope and mystery,
anticipation,
preparation,
a kingdom
of this world and the next,
and a king
appearing when we least expect.
Heaven touching earth,
the footsteps of the divine
walking dusty roads
as once they did in Eden,
and a people,
searching for a Saviour,
and walking past
the stable.
Open eyes and hearts,
that this might be
an Advent of hope to the world.
The Readings
Isaiah 7:10-14
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-24
The Anthem
The Intercessions
Everlasting God, we share today with Mary and Elizabeth their love and joy as the waiting for the birth of Jesus nears its end. Quieten our hearts and lives so that we can hear your voice amongst the hustle and bustle of everyday life as Christmas approaches.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Creator God, we pray for our world leaders; for the Royal Families of Great Britain and the Netherlands; for Heads of State in Europe, The Commonwealth and for the United Nations. We remember before you all those who will spend the Christmas period away from home in conflict in Ukraine, Syria and other parts of the world, praying earnestly for an end to war and terrorism.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Father God, we give you thanks for our community leaders and for the way that they make our towns and villages beautiful and bright with lights and decorations at this time of celebration. Help us also to hold in our hearts the less fortunate as we give thanks for the work of the food banks, the hospices, The Red Cross, Unicef, and other charitable groups.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Gracious God, we call to mind all those we know who are struggling with life. We especially ask for your comfort and healing for all those who are coping with terminal illness and ask you to be close to those who care for them. We give you thanks for those who have been healed or are in the process of recovery and recuperation.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful God, we remember those who have departed this life and thank you for the good that you have worked in their lives. Comfort all whose lives are saddened by the death of a loved one, be with them in their loneliness and help them to know that Jesus born in Bethlehem is the light of the world which no darkness can quench.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Son of God, your mysterious coming is beyond our understanding. Help us to serve you in any way that we can, knowing that you are with us day by day, through the joys of Christmas and into the uncertainty of the New Year especially in the light of the ongoing Pandemic.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer
Merciful father: accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen
Final Hymn
Closing Prayers
Heavenly Father,
who chose the Blessed Virgin Mary
to be the mother of the promised saviour:
fill us your servants with your grace,
that in all things we may embrace your holy will
and with her rejoice in your salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Advent God,
we journey with you,
to Bethlehem’s stable
and a new-born King,
ears attuned
to the song of angels,
eyes alert
for Bethlehem’s star.
Forgive us
if on our journey
if we are distracted
by the tempting offers
of this world.
Keep our hearts aflame
with the hope
of Christmas,
and the promise
of a Saviour. Amen
May the Lord make us ready for his coming in glory.
Amen.
Thanks to www.faithandworship.com for some of our advent prayers.
