PRAYER OF THE DAY 

P:  Let us pray,

C:  Almighty God, your servant Elizabeth and her unborn son, the prophet John, rejoiced at the greeting of Mary, the mother of our Lord. We give you praise and thanks for the many earthly joys of this Advent season, but above all, we praise you for the gift of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. By your grace, through faith in Jesus, we share the joy of Elizabeth and John. We know joy in our Lord right now and will rejoice in his presence for all eternity. Lead us to share this joy with others through acts of love and service and through our witness to our Savior. We pray that by the power of your Spirit, they, too, will come to rejoice in Jesus. Hear our prayer and accept our praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FIRST READING:       ISAIAH 35:1-10

SECOND READING: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 1:39-45

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