Ignite Hope - Advent 1 Prayer

Divine Light who shines in the darkness,
This Advent season
ignite hope in our lives
and in our world:
in all the places where we are
broken, hurting, and overwhelmed.
Things are a mess, God, 
and it is tempting to 
turn away, avert our eyes, 
avoid the truth.
It is in the midst of messiness
that we light a candle, 
acknowledging our grief
and longing for hope
in the same breath.
We hold out for hope
that will outshine despair and desecration.
May our hope in your presence 
carry us through these days,
lighting our way.
Amen.

 - Wendy Janzen