The First Sunday of Advent

HILLS OF THE NORTH ARISE

Sunday 29th November 2026 — Advent 1b

  • Come Thou Long Expected Jesus — A&M 30; HOAN 98
  • In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful — A&M 334; HOAN 250
  • The Gospel reading: Mark 13:24–37 (click for link to reading)
  • Longing for Light (Christ, Be Our Light) — A&M 42
  • The Old Testament reading: Isaiah 64:1–9 (click for link to reading)
  • Intercessions (see below for suggested outline)
  • Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer — A&M 652; HOAN 188
  • The Eucharistic prayer with Sanctus (said or sung)
  • The Agnus Dei (said or sung)
  • Hymn during communion: Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord — A&M 661; HOAN 211
  • Hills of the North, Rejoice — A&M 39; HOAN 209
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Suggested Outline for Intercessions

Hills of the North, rejoice,
river and mountain-spring,
hark to the advent voice;
valley and lowland, sing.
Christ comes in righteousness and love,
he brings salvation from above.

As we begin a new year in the life of the Church, let us pray to the God who comes to us in righteousness and love.

Holy God, you call the hills and valleys, rivers and springs to rejoice at your coming. Awaken us to your Advent voice, and teach us to wait in hope for Christ, who comes among us with righteousness and love.

Silence

O God, keep us awake to you:
and alive to your call.

Holy God, where the world is shaken by violence, injustice and fear, bring your righteousness. Where people have lost hope, make your salvation known. May those who long for justice hear the Advent voice and know that you have not forgotten them.

Silence

O God, keep us awake to you:
and alive to your call.

Holy God, we pray for the places where we live: for hills and valleys, rivers and streams, towns and neighbourhoods; for those who work the land and those who care for your creation. Teach us to cherish the earth which rejoices at your coming.

Silence

O God, keep us awake to you:
and alive to your call.

Holy God, you come in love. Draw near to those who are weary, anxious, lonely or in pain; to those who wait for news, healing or change; and to all whose way ahead is uncertain. Let your coming bring hope in confusion.

Silence

O God, keep us awake to you:
and alive to your call.

Holy God, we remember those who have died and those who mourn them. Gather them into the salvation you bring, and keep us watchful for the day when all creation shall rejoice in you.

Silence

O God, keep us awake to you:
and alive to your call.

Holy God, hills and valleys, rivers and springs proclaim your coming. Keep us listening for the Advent voice, watching for Christ, and ready to rejoice when he comes in righteousness and love.

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Hills of the North, rejoice,
river and mountain-spring,
hark to the advent voice;
valley and lowland, sing.
Christ comes in righteousness and love,
he brings salvation from above.