Most merciful Lord, from the waters of the River Jordan came forth an invitation to find mercy and hope; from the lips of a man of poverty and prayer came forth the promise of your abundant forgiveness and love. We give thanks for the ministry of St John the Baptist whom you called to prepare the way for the coming of your dear Son, Jesus. May John’s call to ‘Repent’ and to orientate our lives towards your transforming power enable to us to wholeheartedly welcome the Christ-child into our hearts this Christmas, that our soiled souls may be cleansed by His Living Water, and the poverty of our humanity transfigured by His over-flowing Grace; Blessed are you, Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Adfent tri ~ Advent three

 ( by kind permission of The Church in Wales.)

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

 ( by kind permission of The Church in Wales.)