The Key of David

The reading for our Advent Wreath lighting this week is:

Advent 5 – Key of David

Leader: As our nights grow longer and our days grow short,

we look on these earthly signs--light and green branches--

and remember God's promise to our world:

Christ, our Light and our Hope, will come.

Listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“I will commit your authority to his hand, and he shall be a father to the

 inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. I will place on his

shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and no one shall shut;

he shall shut, and no one shall open.”

(Isaiah 22:21b-23)

Leader: Let us pray.

All: Gracious God, your Son Jesus Christ opened wide the gate of heaven,

making plain the way that leads to eternal joy:

Grant that we who have been buried with Christ in baptism

and raised to new life

may strive courageously for the freedom and peace of the world;

through your Son, Jesus Christ,

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit

            be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen