Second Advent Reading

As we begin this second Sunday of Advent, we consider the anticipation of your servant Mary, this child from a rural community without fame or fortune. One who considers herself lowly, the yet one on whom your favor rests. Mary understood that those with might, wealth, and power would be brought low; everything they held on to would be lost. She knew because of God’s mercy, God would lift up the lowly, fill those who were hungry, and fulfill all His promises. Let us remember today, the God she rejoiced in, is our God. The God who will do more than we can ask or think.

 

(LIGHT CANDLE 1 AND 2)

 

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on those who fear him

from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm,

he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,

he has put down the mighty from their thrones,

and exalted those of low degree;

he has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent empty away.

He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy,

as he spoke to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”

 

 

 (prayer)

Dear Father,

Remind us today that we can anticipate your good work in our lives. Remind us in this season and throughout our lives and that you are the God who saves us and lifts us up when we have fallen. Help us God also to remember those around us who feel forsaken, hungry, and lost. Remind us to share your goodness with them. God use us today to show mercy to those in need, just as you have shown your mercy to us. We ask this in the name of our merciful savior, Jesus. Amen !