“Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you , in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
“The people walking in darkness 
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.”
… indeed.
This Saturday we light the candle of Love. Advent, a season of anticipation, prepares us to experience anew the love of God through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. In the incarnation, Christ has made his dwelling with man and as a result of both his incarnation and resurrection his dwelling is now not merely with us, but within us.
“Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.“
This is the 3rd Week of Advent and on Saturday we will be lighting the Candle of Joy!
I recently read that these short readings from the lectionary should be invitations for us to read “further, or, better to attend to what’s coming next”. These four passages are prompts that help us follow the story of of Israel’s anticipation of the Messiah, Jesus, more fully. May God bless us as we read!
“Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.”
