Almighty God,
We thank you for this church family, whom you’ve gathered by the Holy Spirit, to receive your gifts this morning.
Lord,
In this Advent season, this time of expectation for and celebration of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, have us reflect on and celebrate the gifts of hope, peace, joy and love we have in Him. Gifts that only He can give in their fullness.
The gift of hope, a hope that is the one true, fulfilled hope of salvation and restoration to be found only in the coming of the Messiah, the One foretold by the prophets, the One promised of old, entered into his creation to save it.
The gift of joy, a resounding joy that fills us, even in the midst of our struggles. For in the word of the Gospel we hold to your promise that one day those struggles will be no more.
The gift of peace, a peace that washes over us, a peace which knows no end, for in the babe in the manger we behold the grace and mercy of the very heart of God.
The gift of love, a love that is love itself, the sacrificial love for all. The love of God in Christ, who by dwelling among us stoops to bring heaven to earth in order to lift earth to heaven by His blood and resurrection.
So wrap us in your gifts, renew us in your gifts, and rest us in your gifts.
AMEN .