Advent Prayer of Light

God, You invite us to find room for You in our lives
and challenge us to watch for the coming of Your Light.
In a world made dark by violence, war, hunger, joblessness and homelessness,
You offer to us the possibility of another way-a world of love, peace, hope, nourishment, living wages and safe homes.

We see ourselves and others in different lights.
In the light of failings or wrongdoing, we act in judgment.
In the light of compassion, we act to redeem.

O God, you call us, challenge us find a hospitality of the ear, eye, heart and word for those who come to us in need.
Your Light sees us exactly as we are and loves us still.
Give us the vision to see others in Your Light.

You beckon us to wait and be still, to listen to the words you speak to us-smiles, laughter, stories shared, encouragement, praise and challenge.
Fill us with Your peace.
Come!
In the beauty of the lights of the season shared with one another,
Help us to be Your Light of hope in our families, communities and our world,
By Your Light may the hungry be filled with good things. Amen.

    During Advent the youth of the parish in St. Charles School, the Latino religious education classes and youth, Atrium, elementary school religious education, On the Way, WAY and Children's Liturgy of the Word, will be reflecting on the theme, "The Coming of the Light."
    As we enter Advent in a season of shorter days and longer nights, we will reflect upon lights-street lights, car lights, flashlights, Christmas lights-that help us see our way in the darkness. With the children, we will reflect on how Advent is a coming to God's Light; actively waiting and preparing, awake to God's presence in our lives.
     During Advent, the children will discuss how God's Word calls us, challenges us, to see a new world. Together we will remember how recently as families and communities, we gathered to give thanks and how thanksgiving brings light. The love that struggles to be born and sustained there creates the possibility of a holier world.
     As we gather to celebrate around our Advent wreaths, as we light each candle, we will remember the elderly and the people who loved and cared for us when we were young and not so young. We will remember those who love us still. We will recall the light that comes to us. During Advent, we will seek moments of quiet stillness and discuss what it means to prepare for Christ coming into our world.
     As our youth reflect on the Advent theme and readings, each grade/group will create an expression of these using the symbol of a star. The stars will be hung around the church for the 5 p.m. Christmas Eve celebration and remain there for all the liturgies throughout the Christmas season. Our youths' expressions will be gifts offered to the entire parish community.

—Religious Education Leaders