In the season of anticipation, we both celebrate and long for God’s Something-New in this world. We join together in songs of longing, desire, and hope for a redeemed creation, finally at peace, were God’s justice shall reign, where all will be fed, where the lion shall lie down with the lamb.
This year, our Advent hymn is
Bring Peace to Earth Again. As we hear and experience daily the effects of war, disparity, displacement, and injustice—leaving many vulnerable, impoverished, or without shelter or refuge or home, we join the longing, crying-out hymns and spiritual songs of the ages.
How long, O Lord? How long? (Psalm 13)
O come, O Come Emmanuel!
God of Mercy, Hear Our Prayer!
As we sing and light candles each week on our wreath, we might or might not feel anticipation of something more. Yet we lift these prayers, state these longings, and name these desires for God’s Something-New. We claim these longings are our own, as we continue wait, look for, and work for a just world, satisfied and at peace.
Each week we add a verse to the song as we light another candle, hoping that the word of John’s Gospel still ring true “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome to.”
November 29 - Advent 1 + A Prayer for DeliveranceDecember 6 - Advent 2 + A Prayer for Peace December 13 - Advent 3 + A Prayer for Sanctuary December 20 - Advent 4 + A Prayer for Redemption 
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