Advent is a time of longing – when we re-visit the story of waiting for Christ’s birth and the reality of living in the in-between time of anticipating his return. We are still a people dwelling in darkness, living in a world where there is much emptiness and pain. But it is also a time of celebration because through Jesus’ birth – our hearts are already filled with God’s overflowing love, welcoming us back into friendship with God. We are God’s children, living in God’s light. At Advent we rejoice in welcoming Jesus’ presence among us again, recommit to gather with others as if they were him; and look forward to welcoming his coming return, when the whole world’s darkness and emptiness will be filled to overflowing with the wonder of his perfect, abundant, light, life and love.

Lord Jesus Christ, light in our darkness and only hope for our emptiness and pain,
just as Zephaniah sang out your coming forgiveness and your promise to gather in the oppressed and outcast,
so we too announce your movement towards us – the astounding friendship you offer us through overflowing love.
Come for the sake of the lonely and frightened;
transform our darkness with your warm, welcoming light.
Amen