THE GOSPEL
Luke 3:1-6The word of God came to John.
In
our chaos,
Lord,
oh, let us hear
once again
the
Baptist
crying
out to us.
“Prepare the way, make straight the paths.
Every valley filled and hills made low.
All flesh shall see the salvation
of God.”
God of constant newness,
carve fresh roads into our wilderness:
into climate and racial emergency.
Let our whole life point
to Jesus.
He is born here,
is with us
now.
Jesus, please turn
our deserts
into
gardens.
THE FIRST READING
Baruch 5:1-9
For God has commanded that every lofty mountain
be made low.
Awaken us.
Help us shed our clothes of mourning.
Help us shake off our misery.
Show your splendor
in glorious
robes.
Give us a new name,
O Jesus.
Please give us
your name,
THE SECOND READING
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge
and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value.
Our Father, you know our needs.
So please, give us, this day,
every kind of wisdom
and knowledge,
discernment,
and love.
Please,
we ask you,
continue to complete
the good work you began is us
until the day of the coming of Christ Jesus.