Intro and Prayer:   What are you hoping for today?  Do you want something to change in your life and you are hoping that God will show you a way?  Have you ever wondered how a loving God could offer you hope when life seems to be one upside day after another?  Advent is a time to hope, love and forgive.  Before I set the tone for this reflection on hope, I want each person listening to think about praying for persons who need to be forgiven and all who want to accept Jesus’ love but just don’t know how to begin.  Take a moment to listen to scriptural readings from Romans 13: 11-14; now hear Matthew 24 from the Bible Experience.  This is the Word of God for the people of God, Let us pray:
Gracious Father we come to you today thanking you for hope and grace.  Guide us as we call upon you Lord for guidance; call upon Jesus Christ for his undying love and call upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom.  Thank you for allowing only your words for your people to come forth.  Cover us with your Spirit and open our ears so that we might receive your Holy Word.  Gracious Lord, nurture us through your Word, teach us to accept the freedom, which is granted to us through salvation and release us from fear and unforgiveness so that we may receive your Power.  O’ Lord, allow this reflective word to add a blessing to all who seek you this day.  Let us know that your love is enough. In your precious son Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.