Saturday of the Third Week of Advent – 23 December

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent – 23 December

“The Lord is at hand!   Come, let us adore him.”

Daily Meditation:

But who can endure the day of his coming
and who can stand when he appears?…Malachi 3:2

We now begin the final part of Advent.
We follow the Gospel story,
as it bring us to Christmas.
Today, we hear the story of God’s plan,
using a long line of less-than-perfect kings
and 5 very special women, to bring us to Jesus.
God saved us, by becoming one of us,
entering into our human and sometimes messy history.
Jesus will come to each of us this Advent
in and through our human journey.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;
for You I wait all the day long...Psalm 24:4-5

Today’s Daily Reflection – Intercessions:
To Christ our Redeemer who will come again
to free from the power of death
all those who return to him, let us humbly pray:
Come Lord Jesus!
As we proclaim Your coming Lord,
– cleanse our hearts of every vain desire,
Lord, may the Church which You founded,
– proclaim Your greatness to all peoples.
Your law is a light to my eyes,
– let it protect those who trust in You.
You allow the joys of Your coming
to be foretold to us by Your Church,
-may we receive You with eager devotion.

O Emmanuel,
King and Lawgiver
Desire of the nations,
Saviour of all people,
Come and set us free,
Lord, our God!

Closing Prayer:
Oh, God of wisdom,
I want to praise You and give You my life.
Like a loving parent,
You bless me.
You have watched over me,
knowing my history
and the path that led me to You.
Thank You for the peace
you promise peace in my life.
I ask that I be always aware
of the strength of Your great power.
May it never leave me.
So many people before me
in so many generations,
have served You so humbly,
answering Your call.
Please give me the wisdom and courage
to be Your humble servant.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.