First Sunday of Advent: 2008

From http://www.earthsong.org.au/

We are being called into a new place
and our creativity is being placed
at the service of Earth,
in a new millennium and a new moment.

There is an awakening of deep energy,
for embracing the interconnectedness of the whole life community
and finding the place of the human within this community.

Living within the Divine Mystery,
we celebrate the sacredness of all beings
and the integrity of all creation.

Drawing on the wisdoms of our past,
we are moving into new expressions
of our response to the creation:
'groaning in one great act of giving birth'.

We seek to learn new ways,
widening our horizons,
believing in a possible dream,
touching into our deepest experience
to give and to receive life.

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All Saints - The Anglican presence in Mitcham & Nunawading
Rev'd Dianne Sharrock, B. Theol
Forthcoming Christmas Services
Thursday 4 December
A service of lessons and carols for Advent
organised by the All Saints' Mothers Union
Christmas Eve 24 December
5pm - Family Service with Wombat Divine
11pm - Sung Eucharist with Carols
Christmas Day 25 December
9.30am - Sung Eucharist with Carols
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Prayer of the Day - Advent 1

Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came among us in great humility, that n the last day when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge 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 forever. Amen.

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MAKE ADVENT YOUR OWN IN YOUR OWN HOME THIS YEAR

Here are some household prayers with daily scripture readings for the weeks of advent

with many blessings from All Saints at Micham & Nunawading

Opening Prayer

Wait for the Lord; be strong and have courage and put your hope in the Lord.

Then then glory of the Lord will be revealed and all people will see it together.

Thanks be to God.

Readings

Choose a Scripture reading from the list given below)

Thanksgiving for Light

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

We give you thanks and praise, God of all creation:

You gave us the sun that runs its course with joy, the moon and stars to brighten the sky at night.  

Brak through our clouds of doubt and fear.

Wake us up to your saving awesome works;

Teach us again that nothing is too wonderful for our God.

Make us heralds of your peace to all the earth, bearers of your light to those who are sad and afraid.

Grant us rest this night that we may sleep surrounded by your love.

We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world.  Amen

Lighting of the Advent Wreath (if you don't have a wreath, perhaps you can light a candle)

By the tender mercy of our God, 

the dawn from on high will break upon us, 

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, 

to guide our feet into the way of peace. 

(Luke 1:78-79)

Jesus said:  

"I am the light of the world."  

The nations will walk by this light 

and all people will see God's glory.  

(spoken as the candles are lit)

Responsive Prayer

Jesus, our Emmanuel, 

you promised to be with us in all times and places:

Come now and be our friend.

Come, Lord Jesus.

You came as a baby, born in a manger,

and the magi called you "King":

Come to rule the world with mercy and peace.

Come, Lord Jesus.

You walked through towns and villages,

Healing the sick and feeding the hungry:

Come and show us your way of love.

Come, Lord Jesus.

God sent you to save the earth and all its people; 

your love for us led you to the cross:

Come with joy, and open wide the door of life.

Come, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

Closing Prayer

God of Light,

you have promised that you will feed us,

hold us tenderly and protect us:

Guide us through each day,

abnd lead us on the highway to your home.

Come to us when we are afraid and uncertain.

Bless us as we prepared to celebrate Christmas.

Gather us into a community of love,

ready to receive Jesus and 

to bring his healing and peace to the world.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Then say the Lord's Prayer

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name....Amen

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

The love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit

be with us.

O come, O come Emmanuel!

Advent Daily Scripture Readings

(the list of readings is a *.jpg file.  Please click to enlarge.)