PRAYER OF THE DAY 

P:  Let us pray,

C:  Almighty God, Advent is a time of hope and waiting. For centuries your people waited in hope for the Messiah to come. Speaking through the prophets, you reminded them of your promise to send the Savior. Finally, when the right time came, Jesus the Messiah was born in Bethlehem. We have seen that hope fulfilled in Jesus’ birth, in his saving death and triumphant resurrection. Yet now we too wait in hope. During this Advent season, we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, but we also look forward to his Second Advent, his return on the Last Day. Lead us to live in hope and to share that hope with others so that they too may come to worship Jesus as Lord. Hear our prayer and accept our praise in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

FIRST READING:  ISAIAH 51:1-5

SECOND READING: ROMANS 5:1-5

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 1:67-79

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