Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
ever faithful to your promises
and ever close to your Church:
The earth rejoices in hope
of the Savior’s coming
and looks forward with longing
to his return at the end of time.
Prepare our hearts and
remove the sadness
that hinders us from feeling
the joy and the hope
that Christ’s presence will bring.
For he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Adapted from Waiting With Joy, Year B: Weekly Reflections on the Sunday Readings, one of RENEW International's Advent resources for small group, individual or family prayer and reflection.