Hello, dear friend! Welcome to the Awakening of the Heart Advent Retreat.

Today, we gather with the global community of believers as we prepare our hearts for worship, approaching the birth of Christ with thanksgiving and praise.

Let us pray: Lord of Lords, King of Kings, we approach the final days before Christmas with hearts overflowing in worship as encouraged by Psalm 100:2, where we are called to "serve the Lord with gladness."

We take this time to reflect on all the blessings you have bestowed upon us during this sacred season.

Help us to set aside the busyness and distractions that can sometimes cloud our focus. Instead, may we cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing the beauty of your love revealed in the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to celebrate your birth, let our worship resonate with joy and appreciation for the miracle of your incarnation.

Lord, ignite within us a joyful anticipation that deepens our experience of this season.

Let every song we sing and every prayer we offer be an expression of our love for you and a celebration of the hope that Christ brings to the world.

As we gather with loved ones, may our hearts be united in worship, reflecting the light of your love to those around us.

Thank you for this time we have to prepare for the coming of our King.

Amen.