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Opening Prayer

Loving God, we pause before you now, laying aside our hurry and our noise.

Still our hearts, quiet our minds, and draw us into your presence,

that in this holy moment we may wait, listen, and receive your peace.  Amen.

Let’s worship God as we listen to our first hymn: Light of the World.

Prayer

Gracious God, I praise you for your faithfulness; for the quiet ways you are at work in my life, and for drawing close to me with love that keeps its promises and brings hope when life feels uncertain.

Yet despite your faithfulness to me, I admit that I often struggle with what I cannot control or explain. I rush ahead, relying on my own plans instead of trusting you. I find it hard to sit with uncertainty and to follow your gentle leading. Forgive me when fear influences my choices, when I overlook others, and when I miss what you are quietly doing. Help me to slow down, to listen more carefully, and to wait with trust, so that my life may reflect your saving love at work within and around me. 

Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer - You are invited to say the prayer in whatever version or language you prefer.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come;

thy will be done;

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation;

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

Bible reading: Matthew 1:18-25 

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel’,

which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Responding to the reading

In the rush of these final Advent days, Matthew draws our attention away from noise and activity and into a moment of quiet obedience. The story of Jesus’ birth is often told through Mary’s faith, yet here we are invited to stand alongside Joseph, a man who listens, waits and responds with trust.

Joseph’s world is turned upside down. His plans unravel, his future feels uncertain, and his reputation is at risk. In the stillness of a dream, God speaks. There is no spectacle, no crowd, just a whispered assurance that God is at work in ways beyond understanding. Joseph does not rush ahead with his own solutions. He receives the message, holds it in his heart, and chooses faithfulness.

Advent is a season that calls us to demonstrate the same quiet courage. As lights are switched on, lists are checked off, and time feels so short, the Gospel invites us to pause. Emmanuel, God with us, comes not through control or certainty, but through trust and attentiveness. The Messiah arrives whilst people are sleeping, waiting, and listening.

Joseph names the child, Jesus, which means “the Lord saves”. In doing so, he accepts his role in God’s unfolding promise. He does not need to understand everything. He simply needs to be present and obedient. This is holy waiting, not passive, but open and expectant.

As we wait for the coming of God’s own Son, perhaps our calling is to create a small space of stillness amid the busyness. To breathe deeply. To notice God’s nearness. To remember that the true meaning of this season is not found in how much we do, but in who we are waiting for.

As the nights draw in and the world hurries on, may we, like Joseph, listen for God’s gentle voice and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. 

Hymn: O come, O come, Immanuel 

Prayer for our world

God of compassion and mercy, our hearts are heavy as we hold before you a world wounded by violence and fear. We pray for all innocent people caught up in suffering, especially those shaken by recent events in Australia, and for communities everywhere who are fearful today. Bring comfort to those who grieve, healing to the injured, and peace to anxious hearts.

We ask for understanding and respect between people of different faiths and cultures. Where there is suspicion, sow trust. Where there is hatred, open up paths towards peace. May your Church shine with kindness and courage in these uncertain and troubled times, offering welcome, love and hope.

Give us the courage we need to choose peace in our own words and actions, to seek reconciliation where there is division, and to be an instrument of your peace wherever we are. Amen. 

Our final hymn gives voice to the longing of God’s people for the coming of Christ, the light of the world.

Hymn: Longing for light we wait in darkness