The Way of Advent - Stations Three and Four

Third Station – The One to rule Israel will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2-4)

Our King and Savior now draws near:

Come among us and save us, we pray.

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.  And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.

V.  Then the remnant of Jacob

R.  Shall be like dew from the Lord.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, 212)

Savior of the nations, come!

Virgin’s Son, make here your home.

Marvel now, both heaven and earth,

that the Lord chose such a birth.

             - Martin Luther (after Ambrose of Milan)

            The Hymnal 1982, #54  st. 1

Fourth Station – The Annunciation to Zechariah  (Luke 1:13-15)

Our King and Savior now draws near:

Come among us and save us, we pray.

Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.

V.  He will turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

R.  To make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Let us pray. (Silence)

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. (Book of Common Prayer, 212)

Savior of the nations, come!

Virgin’s Son, make here your home.

Marvel now, both heaven and earth,

that the Lord chose such a birth.