1. 1st Sunday of Advent

2. HE IS COMING INDEED, ALLELUIA!
Alleluia, Alleluia
Christ is coming.
HE IS COMING INDEED, ALLELUIA!
and so we gather, +In the name of the Father…

3. I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry. All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save. I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright. Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if You lead me. I will hold your people in my heart. I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people's pain. I have wept for love of them. They turn away. I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone. I will speak my Word to them. Whom shall I send?
I the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame. I will set a feast for them. My hand will save. Finest bread I will provide Till their hearts be satisfied. I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

4. You bring us together to pray to our heavenly Father.
Lord, have mercy.
You are our guide. Christ have mercy
Christ, have mercy.
You show us how to love each other.

5. Opening Prayer
God, you have sent us signs that winter is on its way. This is a sign that Jesus will soon be born.
Amen

6. Alleluia, Alleluia,

7. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew
Glory to you, O Lord
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

8. Alleluia, Alleluia,

9. I wonder what you heard in the Gospel today?
For whose ‘coming’ are we preparing?
How could we prepare a welcome for Jesus now and keep ourselves ready to greet him? .

10. When the time comes for Jesus to return, will you be ready?
Collect a clock to symbolise how we spend out time preparing for Jesus

11. Let us pray that Christians everywhere will lead lives filled with love, forgiveness and truth, particularly during advent.
Lord in your mercy;
All: Lord hear our prayer
We pray for the sick and the lonely that they may experience the warmth of Christ’s love this Christmas. Lord in your mercy;
All: Lord hear our prayer.
Knowing that our Heavenly Father is listening, in the silence of our own hearts let us share our unspoken prayers with him.
Amen

12. Loving Father,
Keep us close to your love and forever ready to receive Christ when he returns in glory.
We ask this in the name of Christ our Lord.
Amen
In the name….

13. 1st Sunday of Advent