Third Sunday of Advent

Order of Worship

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Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

You, Jesus, are the long-awaited Anointed One. You are מָשִׁיחַ, the Χριστός, the Christ who proclaims good news to the poor, who heals the brokenhearted, and frees the imprisoned. Lest we think of these things in merely human and political terms, show us how we are poor in spirit, that in not fearing, loving and trusting you with our whole hearts, these hearts of our are weak and failing , and that you have redeemed us from bondage to sin and death, and have released us from sure imprisonment with the damned. We offer you thanksgiving for clothing us with the garments of salvation and covering us with Christ’s own robe of righteousness.  Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Like Zechariah, Nicodemus, and even Mary, we ask, “How can these things be?” How can it be that sinners like us can be saved? How is it that we are being brought back from captivity into the promised land? How can this dead flesh be born again? It seems like a dream: too good to be true. Yet, it is true because your word is true. You have done great things for us, Lord—astonishing things. Make us glad for Christ’s sake. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Help us rejoice always with thanksgiving in all circumstances. Help us cling to what is good and refrain from evil. Sanctify us completely, God, that we may be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Prepare a royal highway in our hearts, Holy Spirit. Make us ready for this celebration of the Son’s birth. Pave a straight and level way for him, that we might have real hope of salvation and peace. Prepare this same road in the hearts of all who suffer and mourn among us, so that they too may have peace, especially in this coming season. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy — through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen