Our candle today is for John the Baptist.  As John the Baptist proclaimed in loneliness and poverty the coming of Christ, may we receive strength in our weakness to show the way that leads to salvation.  Save the Church from becoming closed against the world, and make it a guide for all mankind into your kingdom

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus

Bless the pioneers of this age, the original thinkers, the prophets and the visionaries, and open the way to new insights and discoveries.  O eternal Light shine into our hearts,  O eternal Goodness deliver us from evil.  O eternal Power be our strength.  O eternal Wisdom dispel the darkness of our ignorance.  O eternal Pity show mercy on us.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus

We pray that our families, friends and neighbours may find the true source of joy as they make their preparations for Christmas.  God of the watching ones, the waiting ones, the slow and suffering ones, the angels in heaven, the child in the womb, give us your benediction, your good word for our souls, that we may rest and rise in the kindness of your company.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus

Stop, my child.  Stop rushing for a moment.  Put down the complex, heavy baggage of your life.  Release your weary grip.  Dare to let go for a moment.  Take time. Relax. Be still. Immerse yourself in stillness.  Drink deeply of the silence and feel the pulsing heartbeat of your God.  Dwell on him in your heart and know that he is less than a whisper away.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus

Jesus who came to earth as a helpless baby; Jesus, the lamb of God born in in a stable; Jesus, the Prince of Peace who slept on hay; Jesus, whose birth caused the angels to sing; Jesus, whose glory lit up the sky; Jesus whose coming was foretold; Jesus who gave us his life; Jesus who draws us with love; Jesus, our Saviour, our King; come, Lord Jesus, come.

Maranatha – Come, Lord Jesus

Rejoicing in the fellowship of Our Lady Mary, St Joseph, St Gregory, and all of your saints, we commend ourselves and the whole creation to your unfailing love.

Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Amen