Advent Vespers

Advent Vespers

Reader:

"Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. ...Romans 5:5

All: Antiphon: Protect us while we are awake and safeguard us while we sleep that we may keep watch with Christ and rest in peace.

Reader: Our Advent journeys must enter into the darkness to reach the Light. On our way, we befriend the darkness and pass through, with gratitude for all that was, and Hope for all that can still be.

Hope is our energy of resolve. Hope is the springboard that trembles beneath our feet and gives us the bounce that plunges us into deep waters and up and out again.

And so in the midst of our winter darkness. In the midst of tears and conflict:

Response by ALL: Life is good!

In the midst of falling down, and getting up again:

Life is good!

In the midst of pain and death, new babies are born.

Life is good!

And so it was for Mary filled with Hope:

Life was good!

Magnificat

ALL:

"I am bursting with Good News! I am dancing the song of my Saviour God!

God took one good look at me and look what happened--

I am the most fortunate woman on the face of the earth.

What God has done for me will never be forgotten

The God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.

His mercy flows in wave after wave..."

 

And so  In the midst of every disappointent,

the torch held high by Hope bravely flickers.

And there She is!

Always ahead of us,

never behind us.

"Come on!" She beckons:

"Toward the Light,

Toward the warmth

of Christmas joy.

And be comforted.

Be comforted!

For life is good!"

[Sing one verse of Come All Ye Faithful.]

May God grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. May the Divine assistance be always with us and with all our loved ones. Amen

Prayer Service written for Voice of the Poor. May be copied and used by individuals, or at a Community Prayer Servce. WF