Opening Prayer:

Almighty God, help us to look forward to the glory of the birth of Christ our Savior: his coming is proclaimed joyfully to the ends of the earth, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God, I hear it over and over: you are coming to me.

I feel my heart stir in anticipation, and I sense that you are inviting me to enter more deeply into the mystery of your birth.

Help me to feel renewed patience settle in my heart, and to lift my face in joy.

I have been like a lost lamb, but I hear your voice calling me and I feel how deeply you want me to return.

Somehow I know that you rejoice in my desire to find you.

Help me not to be afraid to say out loud, to believe: Here is God, coming into my life.

Amen.

Printed with permission from Catholic Expert.

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