God of inescapable joy, as we approach the third Sunday of Advent we celebrate your promise of eternal life. We give thanks for the promise that calls for the wasteland to be turned into a land of plenty. Help us to prepare for the coming of Christ, our Lord, who is the light of the world. Allow our waiting, watching and preparing to bring us closer to you. May we come closer to you through prayer during this time.
Gracious God, bless your church that we may share your Good News with all people in creation and that we might live out the gospel in a way that is pleasing to you. We ask this in the name of he who comes, who pushes the darkness aside and illuminates our lives. Amen.