Advent Prayer for Hope

As we approach Advent we look back into the archives of our site to find a prayer on Hope. Originally written in 2014 I hope this prayer helps prepare you for the coming season. 

With the start of Advent the Church calendar begins anew and we await the Christ child with expectant hope.

Advent is a time of preparation. A time when we get ready to receive Jesus into our lives once again. Much of Western society focuses on the material aspects of Christmas, of shopping and gift giving. Much of the real meaning behind the Christmas season is lost. We forget why it is that Jesus needed to be born so long ago.

Today let us focus our prayer on the hope that is represented in Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, we are in awe that you sent your son to live among us. His birth so long ago began the new covenant that you would establish with all people. As we prepare for Christmas once again let us do so in expectant hope. Not for gifts given or received, nor for time spent with family and friends. This advent season may we wait in expectant hope for the promise made real in Jesus Christ. Let us work to end hunger and homelessness, to defeat war and injustice. May the work that we do towards these and others goals which are required by your kingdom be the true hope that motivates us this season. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our helper and our true hope. Amen.