Signs of Hope - Rev Christine Fox

​One of the themes of Advent is hope - as we approach Christmas this year - what are you hoping for?

​Stf 169 Come thou long expected Jesus

​*Opening Prayer
Advent 1 – the Advent hope
Jesus said, ‘Keep awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. Amen.
Come soon, Lord Jesus!
The first candle is lit, and this response is used
Jesus is the light of the world.
A light no darkness can ever put out.

*Prayers of confession
For the mending of our hearts, torn apart by our unkindness. For the healing of our souls, wasting away from the despair around us.
Holy God, hear our prayer
We seek forgiveness for the sin we have allowed to persist, for the reconciliation of the world, whose division condemns us. We pray for the courage to admit our faults, the strength to amend our actions, and the hope that your grace awaits us. Through Christ we pray. Amen

Readings 
​Jeremiah 33:14-16
Luke 21:25-36 ​

​Message - What do you hope for (this Christmas?)

Stf 350 I cannot tell

​*Prayers for Others
Lord, in a season when every heart should be happy but many are struggling with the heaviness of life, Jesus, we need your peace.

When wondering about loss of jobs and worried about the forthcoming bills to be paid, give us peace.
When wondering about drug prescription, give us peace.
When worried about our children’s education and challenges of Covid in schools, give us peace.
When worried about the resettlement of the refugees, and the best ways to help, grant us wisdom in our mission engagement.
When worried about the future of the work of God and our ministry, Lord give us a new vision and passion.
When wondering when conflict and terror will end and we will find a solution to climate change, Lord hear our prayer.
As believers, help us to treat our roles in your Kingdom as crucial and not secondary.
As the salt of the earth and its component that keeps it being salt, may we too be the salt and your light in sharing the message of your love.

Now as you have promised in your holy word to give rest for the weary, peace for the anxious, and acceptance for the broken hearted, we know that peace on earth can only come when our hearts find peace with You. Amen.

​The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours. Now and for ever.
Amen

​Stf 185 Sing we the King who is coming to reign

​*A prayer of blessing
May the words we have heard and prayed and shared echo in our minds, stay in our hearts and re-shape our lives. May we know the Living Word of God with us now and always. Amen
*Materials prepared by Rev’d Francis M’Itiiri, Presbyter, Northampton District.