As we light the 4th candle in the Advent wreath, we remember Love. Today in worship we remembered the strong and courageous love of Mary, who far from being passive and submissive, understood that by this birth God was taking bold action to lift the poor and strengthen the weak. Mary’s song recorded in the first chapter of Luke echos her foremother’s prophecies and praises in a long line of intelligent and strong servants of God. Here, then is prayer for such strong love, written by Rev. Kent and offered by Hazel Morris, worship leader.
Holder of creation, maker of all, you are known by many names, but the greatest of your names is “Love.” Your love in action seeks the lost. Your compassion and mercy challenges us and changes us. The care you show to all people, all creatures all the earth, speaks of your tender heart. Look favorably on your peoples, Lord. Turn your heart to us and our heart to you. Heal us of our killing madness and irrational hatred of others. Give us the courage of Mary and the resolve of Joseph to raise up love in the midst of any circumstance. Sweeten our souls with a salvation grown evident in our loving actions. Help us come to love in depth and power the justice and joy you seek for us. And help us thrive in your mercy, beloved and beheld in your wider vision. –Rev. Kent Gilbert
You may also enjoy seeing the full service, including our impromptu Christmas pageant for all:
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