on this First Sunday of Advent,
you remind us to “Be watchful! Be alert!”
as we light our first Advent candle.
Just as you did two thousand years ago,
when your Word became human flesh
in the person of Jesus,
you continue to break into our lives.
As we begin this Advent season
and prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas,
Give us new eyes and new ears
so that we can be watchful and alert.
Help us to break out of our ruts
of complacency and routine.
Give us courage to venture beyond our comfort zones.
Guide us to encounter your love
in new and exciting ways.
Inspire us to be your face of compassion
to those on the edges of our families,
neighborhoods and in the world
who most need your love
to break into their despair and heal their suffering.
Awaken in us your call
and our response to be your missionary disciples.
We ask this through Jesus,
who is the human face of
your compassion and mercy.
Amen.
Photo: Cambodia
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Journey with us each day of Advent...
Remember as a child the joy and wonder you experienced each day during Advent when you opened the doors to your Advent Calendar, counting down the days to Christmas, and finding your surprise?
This Advent, find the surprise of opening the day with inspiration not found behind the doors an Advent Calendar but on Maryknoll’s Facebook page. Join us each day as we discover the amazing gift of God’s love. Discover a daily example of someone who truly lived the Advent Journey. Ponder, reflect and pray with us as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas joy as missionary disciples who bring God’s love to our lives, the lives of others, and our world. Go now to the Facebook Page.
Learn more about Advent Wreaths at http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/advent/about-advent-wreaths.cfm