A Prayer for Advent Week 3

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“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.”
– Luke 4.18

God of Joy,
Our hearts are lifted up
as the Advent days grow shorter,
for we know you are so near.

Your joy is bigger than smiles shared,
gifts given and homes decorated.
Your joy is the depth of the heart.
Your joy sustains us in trials and struggles.
Your joy is the rejoicing of the good and holy.
Your joy reminds us of your delight in us.

As we journey in this Advent week,
we trust your joy will meet us no matter the journey.
We trust your joy is transforming our hearts,
allowing us to let go of false expectations and gimmicks.
We trust your joy is at work in us,
in our tasks, our duties
and gatherings with others.

Your joy is echoed in the words of Mary,
as she declares your goodness in hearing
the invitation to do your will.

May we be attentive to your invitations this week.

May we also declare:
“my soul magnifies”
and “my spirit rejoices,”
trusting this will guide us
to the true joy
at the Bethlehem Manger.
Amen.