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

²³ And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
²⁴ For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
²⁵ For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?
²⁶ For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
²⁷ But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” (ESV)

Jesus tells His disciples: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." The Christian life is a daily battle. We must be patient in tribulation and remember that Christ's death destroyed death and restored us to everlasting life.

Prayer of the Day

O Lord Jesus, make us firm if we waver, strengthen us if we weaken, and help us to take up our cross daily and follow Thee. 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.