December 16, 2009

Advent: ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord’

Advent wreath prayer: week 4

The following Advent wreath prayer is intended to help busy households make Advent a prayerful time during the rush of Christmas preparations. The language is fairly simple to be used by groups of adults or adults with children, and options are noted to allow for participation by a variety of members of the household.

Leader: The fourth and final week of the season of Advent begins today, so we are almost there! As we near Christmas we take these few moments in prayer so that we are better prepared to welcome the Christ Child into our hearts and into our lives.

Light all four of the candles on the Advent wreath.
(optional) Read aloud Micah 5:1-4a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:3-45
Leader: This fourth week of Advent, the reading from the Hebrew Scriptures reminds us how the birth of the Savior was foretold generations before. The Jewish people waited many, many centuries for a savior. And St. Paul won’t let us forget the reason for Christmas—that Jesus was born so that he could die and atone for our sins. The familiar story of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth should make us reflect on how both those women put their trust in God to give birth to sons. Have we that kind of faith?

Closing prayer:
(Leader may read all, or others in the household may each read a segment.)
(1.) Father in heaven, help us learn to be patient. We know that you know our needs and will satisfy them in your time.
(2.) God above, as you found favor in the Virgin Mary and her cousin Elizabeth, help us live so that you find favor in our lives. Give us the courage to accept your will.
(3.) Along with Mary, help us too to say yes God. Do with me as you want. Make me your hands on earth.
(4.) Holy Spirit, inspire us to live every day as if Christmas is just a day away.

 PARISHES OFFER ADVETNT PENANCE SERVICES

Many parishes are offering Advent reconciliation services for several penitents. A list of upcoming services for Dec. 16-21 is listed below.  Unless otherwise indicated, the service will be held in English.
Dec. 16: 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., (bilingual) St. John the Baptist, Longmont; 303-776-0737
Dec. 16: 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Our Lady of the Mountains, Estes Park; 970-586-8111
Dec. 16: 7 p.m., St. Anthony, Sterling; 970-522-6422
Dec. 17: 9 a.m., (for children) Presentation, Denver; 303-534-4882
Dec. 17: 10 a.m., Risen Christ, Denver; 303-758-8826
Dec. 17: 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Akron; 970-345-6504
Dec. 17: 7 p.m., (bilingual) Immaculate Conception, Lafayette; 303-665-5103
Dec. 17: 7 p.m., (bilingual) St. Mary, Littleton; 303-798-8506
Dec. 17: 7 p.m., St. Jude, Lakewood; 303-988-6435
Dec. 17: 6 p.m., Presentation, Denver; 303-534-4882
Dec. 21: 6 p.m., St. Joseph, Golden; 303-279-4464
Dec. 21: 7 p.m., St. Nicholas, Platteville; 970-785-2143
Dec. 21: 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Fort Collins; 970-482-4148
Dec. 21: 7 p.m., (bilingual) Sacred Heart of Jesus, Boulder; 303-442-6158