by Desirée Botha
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Candle liturgy
Last Sunday we lit the first candle—the candle of hope. Today we light the second candle, the candle of peace. We light it knowing full well that peace is elusive, and in some parts of the world, it is almost completely absent. Yet in this season of Advent, we trust that God is never absent from us. God is always preparing something new. And even where there is war and discord, whether between countries, within families, or within our own hearts, God is present, gently leading us to new possibilities.
Prayer for All to read:
Loving God, in this time of preparation
and planning,
We thank you for the hope and peace you
unfailingly offer us.
Show us the creative power of hope.
Teach us the peace that comes from
justice.
Prepare our hearts to be transformed by
you,
That we may walk in the light of Christ.
Leader:
Take
your encouragement from Christ,
that your joy may be complete.
All:
We will share in the Spirit;
We will find consolation in love.
Leader:
Practice
a ministry of humility and compassion
For God is at work in you, empowering you.
All:
We will welcome Christ into our hearts.
We will live worthy of the Gospel.
We will go forth in hope and in peace.