Opening Responses

Reader

The nights have drawn in –
long summer evenings are but memory;
winter is upon us –
and darkness surrounds us.

ALL

WE WAIT IN DARKNESS, LORD,
FOR THE COMING OF YOUR LIGHT.

   
Reader

Our world is shadowed in darkness:
of oppression,
of pessimism,
of helplessness.

ALL

WE WAIT IN HOPE, LORD,
FOR THE COMING OF YOUR LIGHT.

   
Reader

Souls are overwhelmed by gloom and darkness –
depression and hopelessness:
saturated in despair.

ALL

WE WAIT WITH THEM IN THEIR DARKNESS,
TRUSTING IN YOUR PROMISE
THAT YOURS IS A LIGHT
THAT NO DARKNESS CAN OVERCOME.

   
.
Scripture Reading(s)
Advent readings from Isaiah; Isaiah 9: 2-7, John 1: 1-11.
Alternatively, a "mosaic" of phrases from the Scriptures referring to light and particularly of Jesus as the Light of the World (e.g. Ps 27: 1; 36: 9; 119: 105; John 8: 12; 9: 5... etc!)
.
Closing Responses
Reader

The Lord is our light and our help,
calling us to look beyond the darkness to the promise of his Coming.

ALL WE WAIT IN JOYFUL HOPE FOR THE COMING OF OUR SAVIOUR.
   
Reader

The world groans in darkness –
yearning to give birth to a new and eternal creation,

ALL  WE WAIT IN JOYFUL HOPE FOR THE COMING OF OUR SAVIOUR.
   
Reader

Overwhelmed souls and hearts hardened through suffering
yearn for the warmth and touch of your love.

ALL WE WAIT IN JOYFUL HOPE FOR THE COMING OF OUR SAVIOUR.
   
Reader And as we wait in joyful hope, we ask God to bless and keep us:
ALL THE FATHER – THE SON – AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
Reader And until we meet again
ALL

MAY GOD HOLD US IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.
AMEN

© 2007 Wellspring

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