MID-WEEK ADVENT SERVICE 

HOPE

Opening Prayer:
Dear Lord, your most precious gift to each of us is your Son.  Thank you for providing hope through that gift.  Help us to live in the hope you offer daily and to deep you as the center of our lives.  In Christ's name we pray.  Amen.

Lighting of Advent Candle

Hymn 34	Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel (verses 1-3)

Psalm		Psalm 72:1-7; 18-19 (read responsively)

Scripture Readings
	Following each reading there is a time for reflection and a prayer

Isaiah 11:1-10
	Let us pray: Baptize us with the fire of your Spirit, that we may be a light shining in the darkness, welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us, for He is our light and our salvation.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Matthew 3:1-12
	Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus.  Come reign among us with peace and mercy.  Forgive our sins so that we may rejoice in your coming; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11
	Let us pray: Dear God our shepherd, gather us as lambs in your arms.  Restore us and let your face shine on us.  We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Mark 1:1-8
	Let us pray: Grant O God that your Holy and life-giving spirit may move every human heart and that we might live in justice and peace; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Malachi 3:1-4
	Let us pray: Almighty God, grant us, your people the wisdom to see your purpose and the openness to hear your will that we may witness to Christ's coming.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Luke 3:1-6
	Let us pray: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.  Strengthen us by your spirit that as your baptized sons and daughters we may share your light with all the world.  Amen.

Homily

Hymn:		479	My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Closing Prayer:	The Lord's Prayer

Dismissal
(L)	Let us bless the Lord
(C)	Thanks be to God.
(L)	The Lord bless us, defend us from all evil, and bring us to everlasting life.
(C)	Amen

Submitted by The Church of the Abiding Savior, Durham, NC