For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord.
Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day:
All shall be my people; I will dwell in your midst;
and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you.
✙ Zechariah 2:10-11 ✙
We rejoice in you, O God, and so, we open our lives to promise of your advent.
Make us grateful for your word.
And make us truly humble,
that when you come in your glory, we may recognize you as you are—
a Babe in a manger, an itinerant Teacher, a Man on a cross.
We thank you for your Holy Spirit,
which cleanses our hearts of all that need not burden us,
thus preparing room for you.
✙
May that same Spirit now settle
on the gifts we have placed before you.
Transform this simple meal:
that in the bread, we may discern the body of your Son;
and that in the wine we may taste your goodness and see your glory.
We pray that we, too, may be transformed by your Holy Spirit:
united in love for one another and outreach to our neighbors.
These things we lift up to you in his Name who taught us to pray:
✙
on the gifts we have placed before you.
Transform this simple meal:
that in the bread, we may discern the body of your Son;
and that in the wine we may taste your goodness and see your glory.
We pray that we, too, may be transformed by your Holy Spirit:
united in love for one another and outreach to our neighbors.
These things we lift up to you in his Name who taught us to pray:
✙
Our Father, who art in heaven...
*Gaudete (meaning "rejoice") is the Third Sunday of Advent
