Advent Collects

If the Three Year Series (or presumably also its derivative, the Revised Common Lectionary) is being used, "collects ... may be selected from any source" (NZPB page 691). Here follow three collects written by Bosco Peters which pick up some Advent themes appropriate to New Zealand or the Southern Hemisphere. These could, for example, be used on the Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays in Advent.

Let us pray

[for a sense of longing and expectation] Silence

Holy God,
your prophets call us to look forward to the dawn of a new day;
may we who witness the promised springtime
prepare the way for the coming Sun of Justice, Jesus your Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.

Let us pray

[for refreshment through our commemoration of these holy days] Silence

Dancing God,
you exult over us with joy;
as we celebrate what has past
renew us by your love
that we may face the future with hope and joy;
through our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.

Let us pray

[that we may seek God even in the midst of busyness] Silence

Intimate God,
we yearn for the light of your coming
and the warmth of your embrace;
focus our hearts on the truly important
and keep us centered on that still point, Jesus our Emmanuel,
who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever. Amen.

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