Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen."
Old Testament
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm
Psalm
25
*At the end of the Psalms this is sung or said Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
New Testament
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Officiant: The Word of the Lord. The People: Thanks be to God.
Gospel
Luke 21:25-36
Deacon:The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you. Or And with your spirit
Deacon: May the Lord be on our minds, on our lips, and on our hearts as we hear His Holy Gospel. The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
People: Glory to You, Lord Christ.
Deacon: We are reading from Luke's Gospel chapter 21, beginning at verse 25.
25 And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.' 29 Then He spoke to them a parable: 'Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 34 But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.'
After the Gospel reading, the deacon elevates the book and says:
Deacon: The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to You, Lord Christ.
Prayers of the People
Brothers and sisters, as we begin this Advent season of prayer and expectation, let us present our needs before God with confidence.
That the Church, eagerly longing for the return of Christ, will make Herself ready by pursuing righteousness, justice, peace, and mercy.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That nations will strive for peace with one another, especially their enemies.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That justice and mercy fill our land, protecting the poor, the vulnerable, and the unwanted child.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That those who suffer from the bondage of addiction will experience the freedom which is in Christ alone.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That we will, as St Paul prayed, increase and abound in love toward one another and to all.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That the sick and the lonely will find healing and comfort in Christ and His Church.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
That in this season of Advent we will be faithful to watch and pray, making ourselves ready for the Lord's return.
Lord in Your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Father in heaven, You are the Lord our Righteousness. As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savoir, Jesus Christ, hear our prayer and give us the grace to be ready to meet Him at His return. We ask this through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. AMEN.