The Advent of Our Lord

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

In the name of the Father and of the † Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Behold, the King comes:
Oh, come, let us worship Him.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13

⁴³ And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone.
⁴⁴ She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.
⁴⁵ And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!”
⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”
⁴⁷ And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.
⁴⁸ And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” (ESV)

The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd simply to touch the border of His garment, believing that she would be instantly healed. Christ declares, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole." This reminds us that Christ's power is delivered to us when we touch Him by faith.

Prayer of the Day

Dear Savior, upon Thy gracious invitation I come to Thine altar. Let me find favor in Thine eyes that I may receive Thy grace to the salvation of our soul. Amen.

Closing Prayer

O almighty and most merciful God, of Your bountiful goodness keep us, we implore You, from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready, both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things that You would have done; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.