Scripture Reading
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Reflection
Advent begins with one of scripture's most luminous promises — God-with-us. In a world that often feels fractured and far from the divine, this ancient prophecy reminds us that God's answer to human longing is not a principle but a person. As we light the first candle, we light it for hope: the audacious belief that what God has promised, God will accomplish.
Prayer for Today
Gentle...yet powerful.
Lowly...yet almighty.
Shepherd...yet King.
In your gentleness, guide us.
In your power, strengthen us.
In your lowliness, strip from us our selfish pride which only destroys us.
In your greatness, lift us up that we might aspire to greater things.
As a shepherd, call us to be your servants.
As a King, call us to be your royal priesthood.
O God, who is our shepherd and our King;
O Christ, who was crucified and is now risen from the dead;
O Spirit, who comforts and empowers;
O great One in Three, Holy Trinity, this hour, set us free to worship. Amen.
Lowly...yet almighty.
Shepherd...yet King.
In your gentleness, guide us.
In your power, strengthen us.
In your lowliness, strip from us our selfish pride which only destroys us.
In your greatness, lift us up that we might aspire to greater things.
As a shepherd, call us to be your servants.
As a King, call us to be your royal priesthood.
O God, who is our shepherd and our King;
O Christ, who was crucified and is now risen from the dead;
O Spirit, who comforts and empowers;
O great One in Three, Holy Trinity, this hour, set us free to worship. Amen.
Amen.