Advent Sunday, Year A

In the name of the +Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Grace, mercy and peace from God Our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit be with you all

and also with you

To you, my God, I lift my soul, I trust in you; let me never come to shame. Do not let my enemies laugh at me. No one who waits for you is ever put to shame. (Psalm 24:1-3)

My dear friends in Christ, we gather here this morning at the start of a new church year to offer this holy sacrifice to Almighty God, our heavenly Father, praying for the life, work and witness of this parish.

Today begins the season of Advent: a season of preparation, both practical and spiritual.

Over the next few weeks we will ponder the foretelling words of Isaiah and respond to the still small voice crying in the wilderness.

<Advent Wreath>

This is a season which calls us to repentance and as we come to this holy ground we recognise the sins which separate us from God and neighbour, and we are moved to turn away from our sin…

The Collect

Let us pray

All-powerful God,
increase our strength of will for doing good
that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming
and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

All    Amen.

Alleluia

Alleluia, alleluia.

Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

All    Alleluia.

The Peace

<Peace>

The peace of the Lord be always with you

and also with you

Prayer after Communion

Father,
may our communion teach us to love heaven.
May its promise and hope guide our way on earth.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Notices

Solemn Blessing

The Lord be with you

And also with you

Let us bow our heads and pray for God’s blessing

You believe that the Son of God once came to us;
you look for him to come again.
May his coming bring you the light of his holiness
and his blessing bring you freedom. Amen.

May God make you steadfast in faith,
joyful in hope, and untiring in love
all the days of your life. Amen.

You rejoice that our Redeemer came to live with us as man.
When he comes again in glory,
may he reward you with endless life. Amen.
…and the blessing of God almighty,

the +Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

All    Amen.

The mass is ended. Go in the peace of Christ.

All    Thanks be to God.