Prayer 

The birth of Christ is an event that invites people to transform the world on an ongoing basis. We often hear during Advent O Come Emmanuel! What does Emmanual mean? 

It is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God with us". It is a biblical name that appears in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah and is later identified in the New Testament as a name for Jesus Christ. 

The implications of the birth of Christ are ongoing. It was not just a one off event that took place many years ago. For Christians Advent includes remembering and importantly a time to be conscious. Advent according to Richard Rohr OFM is a time for being aware, alive, attentive, alert and awake. Maybe for Christians Advent could be a time to be aware, alive, attentive, alert and awake to the presence of God and a time to explore ways of “birthing” God anew on an ongoing basis, a time to make known God with us.  

Romans 13: You know the time has come : you must wake up now: our salvation is even nearer. The night is almost over, it will be daylight soon. Let us arm ourselves and appear in the light.

Loving God,

As we begin this Advent season, remind us that life with You is an adventure… an opportunity for growth and renewal.

May we walk in the light, ready to share peace and kindness with those around us.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.