God, You tell us to live with open eyes, for You are coming into this world and we're to watch for Your arrival.

So many had given up watching and were unaware when You entered our world the first time as a baby. You're coming back and we don't want to be unaware again, Jesus. Since we don't know the day or hour, we confess that it's so easy to go about the ordinary business of life and forget You. Forgive us for when we live with our eyes closed—closed to Your promise of returning, closed to Your Spirit's invitations each day until You come again.

We pause this morning, this Advent season, to ask You to awaken us—awaken our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. With eyes wide open, we silently look around and take in the scene of where we are, who is with us in this place, our own presence here.

(~30 seconds of silent observation)

We now close our eyes and remember Your promise to return and put all things right. We allow our longing for You to be stirred within us.

(~30 seconds of silence)

Give us grace to prepare a way for You in our hearts, our community and our world.

Come Lord Jesus, Amen.