Opening Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for the love you show me through your son. Help me to receive the gift of your love, and celebrate it this season. Amen.

Read: Psalm 72
Reflect: How does this prayer about a king teach us about Jesus? How does the king in this Psalm react to different groups of people? Why does such a king encourage the Psalmist to praise God?

Prayer: for the church, for others, for myself.

Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus”
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art-
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart!

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a Child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts along.
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me with the joy and hope of the Advent season. Help me to see how you are working now, and ground me in the hope of your coming again. Amen.