The Longest Night THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 7PM SANCTUARY
WELCOME GATHERING MUSIC
Adagio sostenuto | Mendelssohn
SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE UNISON PRAYER O God, in the beginning you spoke, and creation was born, the object of your loving care. In the fullness of time you spoke, and the Word became flesh, Jesus, your gift of love. We wonder at the miracle of creation; we stand in awe before the mystery of the incarnation; then we feel embarrassed by our own selfishness. Forgive us earthbound creatures, feeble in faith, empty in hope, lacking in love. Awaken us to the miracle and mystery of Christmas. We wait upon you with ready hearts, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. RESPONSORIAL HYMN NO. 89 For You, O Lord, My Soul in Stillness Waits (Stanza 1,2,3 and 5) CANDLES OF LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS Leader: We light a candle for brokenness: for leaders and governments guided by greed and power; for nations with uncontrolled violence and war; for peoples practicing discrimination and division; for religious people who practice hatred and violence. People: As we light this candle, we pray your peace may illumine our darkness. Leader: We light a candle for illness and disease: when we hear of disease spreading around the world; when we withdraw from the world for fear of illness; when we notice a decline in our health and vitality; when we receive a difficult medical diagnosis. People: As we light this candle, we pray that our trust in you will exceed our own fear. Leader: We light a candle for loss: for the feeling of loss because of changes in the world around us; for loss brought on by a job change or unemployment; for loss of loved ones and friends; for loss caused by broken family relationships. People: As we light this candle, we pray that we may find joy in your love for us.