An Advent litany, for the last weeks of waiting

We wait in the darkness, expectantly, longingly, anxiously, thoughtfully
The darkness is our friend. In the darkness of the womb we have all been nurtured and protected. In the darkness of the womb, the Christ-child was made ready for the journey into light.
You are with us, O God, in darkness and light.

It is only in the darkness that we can see the splendour of the universe - blankets of stars, the solitary glowings of distant planets.
It was the darkness that allowed the Magi to find the star that guided them to where the Christ-child lay
You are with us, O God, in darkness and light.

In the darkness of night, desert peoples find relief from the cruel relentless heat of the sun.
In the blessed desert darkness, Mary and Joseph were able to flee with the infant Jesus to safely in Egypt.
You are with us, O God, in darkness and light.

In the darkness of sleep, we are soothed and restored , healed and renewed
In the darkness of sleep, dreams rise up. God spoke to Jacob and Joseph through dreams. God is speaking still.
You are with us, O God, in darkness and light.

Sometimes we remember in the darkness those who are near to our hearts –colleagues, partners, parents, children, neighbours, friends. We thank God for their presence and ask God to bless and protect them in all that they do
You are with us, O God, in darkness and light.

Sometimes in the darkness, our fears and concerns, our hopes and our visions rise to the surface.
We come face to face with ourselves and with the road that lies ahead of us. And in that same darkness we find companionship for the journey.
We know that you are with us, O God, yet we still await your coming. In the darkness that contains both our hopelessness and our expectancy, we watch for signs of God’s hope.

from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand (adapted)