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.

We give thanks for the signs of joy…

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 in Heaven,
You rejoice over us with singing
And put songs of deliverance on our lips.
You counted off creation in rhythm:
Night and day, rest and work,

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.