Prayer for Advent, part 3 of 4

Merciful God,

you sent your messengers the prophets

to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.

Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins,

that we may celebrate aright the commemoration of the nativity,

and may await with joy the coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

One God, forever and ever.  Amen.

 — #201 in The United Methodist Hymnal

A week from today will already be Christmas Eve.  For too many Christians, Advent’s been a busy time.  Again.

Meanwhile, the God of mercy, who sends messengers our way, has invited us to change some things in our hearts, our minds, and our lives.

Why? To “prepare the way for our salvation.”

Sounds like Psalm 24:9, “Open up the doors that the King of Glory may enter!”  Then we’ll be able to “celebrate aright the commemoration of the nativity.”

May this very day in our Advent season not be so busy that we miss the point of it: getting ready for what really matters.