Keep Watch
Scripture tells us that we are forgiven! It calls us to walk in the light of the Lord (Is 2:1–5), to pray for peace (Ps 122) and to keep watch for Christ’s return (Mt 24:36–44), putting aside our deeds of darkness and living in the light (Rom 13:11–14). In this season of Advent, we celebrate the Child who is the Light. We thank God for forgiveness of sins and reaffirm our desire to walk with the Lord.
Opening Prayer
God is peace, the principle of all kinds of communion. Let us extol peace with songs of peaceful praise. It is God-who-is-Peace who brings all things into unity, who is the cause of every agreement, who is the author of all harmony. [Amen.]
OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 2:1–5
PSALM OF RESPONSE: Psalm 122
NEW TESTAMENT READING: Romans 13:11–14
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 24:36–44
CLOSING PRAYER
Therefore, we ask that we may know what we love, since we ask nothing other than that you give us yourself. For you are our all: our life, our light, our salvation, our food and our drink, our God. Inspire our hearts, I ask you, Jesus, with that breath of your Spirit. Columbanus