Advent Family Prayers

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Post Author: Alison VanBuskirk Philip

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For my daughter’s first Advent and Christmas, my husband and I got an Advent wreath for our home, wanting to expose her to a tradition that has been spiritually meaningful for us over the years at church. During her toddler years, it was chaotic to light the candles in a place she could see but not touch, and it was nearly impossible to try to get her to focus for just one minute on saying a prayer.

But last year when she was four, one night at bedtime she told me, “Today was hope candle day. And next week is peace!” She remembered joy and love too. This year, with a five and three year old, we light the candle(s), share answers to a question, and say a short prayer. In response to the hope question, my older daughter inevitably answered, “I hope I get everything I want for Christmas.” Before we could talk that through, our younger daughter chimed in, “I hope for Mama, Papa, Eve, and Rose to be happy.” The girls looked at each other, then us, and then the purple candle burning, and it was quiet for one sacred second of kairos time.

I offer the prayers and questions we’re using this year for you to adapt in ways that fit where you are and who you’re with this Advent season. May they point you to the Light of the World, the One who is already here and who is on the way again this year, yes even in 2020.

HOPE

 

God who is Bringer of Hope,

warm our hearts with the feeling

of knowing good things really are coming.

Warm us with the feeling

that you are hiding gifts all around

for us to discover.

Warm us with feelings of excitement

as we wait for the gift

of celebrating the Baby Jesus,

who was born into the night

to be a spark of hope

yesterday, today, and always.

Amen.

 

Question: What is something you hope for this Christmas?

 

PEACE

 

God who is Prince of Peace,

breathe your peace into our hurting world.

Breathe your peace into our busy minds.

Breathe your peace into our tired bodies.

We take a deep breath and know you’re close.

You give rest to the weary

and comfort to the afflicted.

So give us rest and comfort and peace.

Help us give rest and comfort and peace to others

through our breathing

and through our being

and through our doing.

Amen.

 

Question: What is a place or person who brings you peace?

 

JOY

 

God who is a Prism of Joy,

you created the rainbow

and you fill the world with sparkle.

Let our eyes catch the sparkles

and soak up the colors of the universe.

Let our ears hear the beauty of jingle bells

and birds chirping

and giggles

and the whispers of voices we love.

Give us joy through the food we taste

and the smells of Christmas.

Give us joy that reflects you to the world.

Amen.

 

Question: What has given you joy today?

 

LOVE

 

God who is the Heart of Love,

what a wonder it is that you love us!

You love us more than we understand.

You love us even more than we love our family.

That is the greatest gift.

We know you love us

because you gave Jesus to us.

We know you love us

because Jesus came to show us your love

and tell us nothing can ever undo it

or get in the way of it.

So teach us to remember often

that you love us and that you love every person.

Give us grace to love ourselves and other people

as a mirror of your love.

Help us celebrate your love

this Christmas and every day

by enjoying it and sharing it.

Amen.

 

Question: How can you share love with someone else this week?

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Image by: Alison V. Philip
Used with permission