God of hope, peace and love, at the start of Advent we begin to prepare ourselves for Christmas and the celebration of the coming of your son Jesus into this world.

We praise you that in Jesus, we are offered  hope and peace. We marvel that it is a sure and certain hope, a hope that was written and spoken about thousands of years before our Saviour Jesus was born. It is a peace that the world cannot give, a peace that passes our understanding, a peace available to those far and near, a peace for everyone.

Gracious God, as we look at stars, lights and decorations, and as we buy and wrap gifts this season, may we have room in our hearts and minds for Jesus. We pray for those for whom this is a difficult, sad or anxious time. May we know the love of Jesus and share the love and hope we have in Him, as your Holy Spirit guides us. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth