Here is a call to worship for this upcoming first week of Advent, based on Psalm 80, Isaiah 64, and my own desperate need for Advent this year. (Even if the pastor part of me is not ready for Advent yet.)

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We are broken by racism and militarism.
Restore us, O God.
We live under a dark cloud of fear.
Let your face shine.
We feel helpless against–even as we participate in–the forces that dehumanize humans who are poor, mentally ill, physically impaired, female, queer, not-white.
Tear open the heavens and come down.
This morning, O God, we claim your promise in Scripture.
May our worship ignite a powerful and holy hope. Amen.