Almighty Lord,

As the season of Advent begins,

We come to You with humble hearts and open minds,

Ready to walk the path of expectation and hope.

Help us to strip ourselves of the noises of the world,

To be silent within ourselves to hear Your voice,

And to kindle in our hearts the light of Your love.
May each day of this waiting be a step towards You,
An act of faith, love and charity.

Lord, give us the patience to await Your arrival,
As Mary waited with confidence,
As the shepherds watched in humility,
And as the prophets proclaimed the coming of the Saviour.

Prepare in us a manger to welcome Your Son,
Make our soul pure and our spirit joyful.
Help us to see Your presence in the small gestures of everyday life,
And to share this light with those who need it.

Lord Jesus, You who come to save us,
Give us the strength to forgive,
The boldness to love without restraint,
And the courage to follow Your path.
May this Advent be for us a time of renewal,
A time to rediscover You,
A time to love You more.

Waiting for Christmas, we offer You our lives,
Our doubts, our joys, and our hopes.
Come Lord, come and be born in our hearts.
Amen.