Advent 1 - Circles

Last Sunday Pastor Nick led us in this prayer. I thought how many circles are around us at Christmas - baubles, plates of food [cakes and puddings] our circles of friendship, and our family circle, and this spinning globe where we all live...may we be held in the circle of God's love

CIRCLE US LORD

Circle us Lord with the light of your presence,

bright within this dark word,
Enable us to be overcomers of fear and temptation,
Enable us to be victors over sin and despair,
Enable us to become that which you would desire.
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation
Circle us Lord with the light of your presence
 
Circle us, Lord,
Circle our family within the shelter
of your outstretched arms,
Protect them in each moment of their daily lives,
Protect them in the decisions that they face,
Protect their homes and relationships.
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation,
Circle our families with the light of your presence.
 
Circle us, Lord,
Circle this nation with Advent love and hope,
Create a desire to listen to the Advent message,
Create a willingness to understand and respond,
Create a need to reach out to the Christ Child.
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation,
Circle our nation with the light of your presence.
 
Circle us, Lord,
Circle this world with the joy of your Salvation,
Where there is sickness and disease bring healing,
Where there is hunger and despair bring hope,
Where there is torture and oppression bring release,
Lord of creation, Lord of Salvation, 

Circle this world with the light of your presence