For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God in Heaven,
We await our celebration of the birth of your Son,
Whom we call the “Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6).
In a world that seems to know no peace,
Our Advent expectations are urgent,
Knowing that the world needs your healing, perhaps more than ever.
Our hearts are pierced with sadness,
As we think especially about the killing of so many children,
And about the fear and trauma they will experience the rest of their lives.
And so, O God, we pray that you will bring healing to all,
That the Spirit will bring liberation to those who are oppressed,
And that your Son, Our Lord and Savior, will bring peace to the world. Amen.
Dr. Tony Kireopoulos
Associate General Secretary
National Council of Churches