Jesus,
You walked among us—
with sorrow in one hand
and joy in the other.
You received each day as it came
full of grief, full of grace.

Father in Heaven,
May we move slowly in this Advent season
And in a countercultural cadence
Trust that the One we wait for
Is the One we wait with.

Father and Creator of the Cosmos,
Who was before all that is,
And holds all that is to come.

Father in Heaven
Giver of all good and perfect gifts,
May the gift of Jesus
Open our homes and hearts to love
As we enter the Advent season.

Father in Heaven,

May our preparation and planning
For hosting in the holidays,
The holy work of shopping and sautéing,
Baking and decorating,
All be done in a posture of prayer.

The light shines in the darkness
And the darkness has not overcome it.
We are easily distracted by the darkness of unease and anxiety.
Light of Christ, shine in our lives,
and in Your world with Your renewing hope.