Moravian Stars in Dresden Ulrich van Stipriaan
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Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
you faithfully fulfill your promises.
We thank you that you did send
your only begotten son in the fullness of time.
With all your church we celebrate his joyous coming.
We glorify you, our gracious Father,
and your Son, our King from Zion,
and the Holy Spirit.
You our King, who came in the name of your Father,
we beg you, enable us the celebrate your holy Advent.
in our hearts, with our words, and through our devoted lives.
Pour out your bountiful blessing upon us.
Enable us to listen to your Word with eagerness,
to trust it and accept it in faith.
so that we may joy in your Spirit and offer you adoration.
Let us serve you, the Incarnate God, our Redeemer,
in all this time here in your church now,
and then in your Kingdom for ever.
Amen.
Moravian Brethren, 16th Century
The Westminster Collection of Christian Prayers slightly modernized
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”
Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;
together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion,
they will see it with their own eyes.
Burst into songs of joy together,
you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
prayer & verse 