Liturgy Bits for NL316 – Jesus’ Birth Announced

For more resources for this Sunday, please visit lectionary.wiki.

Prayer of the Day

During Advent 2024, Ascension is using the Advent candle lighting liturgy provided by Hope Publishing for Christ, Be Our Light (ELW 715), and our Prayer of the Day will be the prayer provided therein.

Merciful God, Advent reminds us that you left heaven’s majesty to walk among wounded people in a broken world. We thank you that your love knows no boundaries or limitations. No wound of this earth is greater than the wounds you came to heal. For all who suffer this day, light the way, O Lord, towards the promise of healing and wholeness made known in you.
Amen.

Prayers of the Church (traditional)

Ascension is using the prayers provided by Clergy Stuff in 2020-21, adapted and updated.

Sustained by the promise of healing and wholeness. we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

A brief silence

As Mary sought support from her cousin Elizabeth, so lead us to those who can help us in times of unusual challenge in our lives, rather than thinking we can take on the world all by ourselves. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

As the longest stretch of darkness approaches, shine your light in our hearts so that we might reflect it outward to a cold world waiting for your salvation. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

From the rising of the sun to its setting, all creatures praise your name, O Lord. May we join their song and live as faithful inhabitants of your abundant earth, caring for all that lives and taking only what we need. God of hope,
hear our prayer.

Be with all who are anticipating the birth of a child: the excited and hopeful, the nervous and conflicted, the fearful and anxious. Bless all children, especially those who are born into difficult circumstances and give parents strength to shepherd the new lives they have created. And grant your healing power to all who need it most. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: **insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?
God of hope,
hear our prayer.

Our eyes await the fulfillment of all your promises, the answer to all our prayers: your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Prayers of the People (contemporary)

Influenced by the Prayers of the Church above, with thematic elements drawn from the Advent candle lighting liturgy as linked above.

Let us pray.

Sustained by the promise of renewal, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need.

As Mary turned to her cousin Elizabeth for support, help us to seek out those trusted people who can support us, instead of trying to go through life on our own.

From the break of day to the setting of the sun, creation resounds in praise for you, O God. Help us to join that chorus of praise by caring faithfully for your creation and being good stewards of what you have given us.

Be with all who are expecting a child: those filled with joy, those filled with uncertainty, and those who are struggling. Bless all children, especially those born into difficult situations. Bring healing to all who struggle in body, mind, and spirit. We pray especially for those from our community who are receiving hospice care: **insert names here**. For what and for whom else do the people of God pray?

God who makes all things new, we lift all our prayers to you, spoken aloud or held in the silence of our hearts, trusting in your peace, through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.

Dismissal

Ascension’s dismissal each Sunday in Advent is drawn from the candle lighting theme of the day.

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God!