The Second Sunday of Advent

ISLES OF THE SOUTHERN SEAS

Sunday 6th December 2026 — Advent 2b

  • On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry — A&M 46; HOAN 401
  • In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful — A&M 334; HOAN 250
  • The Gospel reading: Mark 1:1-8 (click for link to reading)
  • Now Bless the God of Israel (tune: Forest Green)
  • The Old Testament reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 (click for link to reading)
  • Intercessions (see below for suggested outline)
  • There Once Was a Man from Galilee (the Wellerman sea shanty)
  • The Eucharistic prayer with Sanctus (said or sung)
  • The Agnus Dei (said or sung)
  • Hymn during communion: Meekness and Majesty — A&M 728; HOAN 335
  • Hills of the North, Rejoice — A&M 39; HOAN 209
261206 service slidesDownload

Suggested Outline for Intercessions

Isles of the southern seas,
sing to the listening earth,
carry on every breeze
hope of a world’s new birth:
in Christ shall all be made anew,
his word is sure, his promise true.

As we listen for the Advent promise carried across the earth, let us pray for a world waiting to be made anew. God of renewal, prepare your Church for the coming of Christ. Where we have grown settled in familiar ways, disturb us with the hope of new birth; give us courage to change, and make us ready for what you are bringing to life.

Silence

God of promise, make all things new:
your word is sure, your promise true.

God of all the earth, we pray for nations and their leaders, for islands and continents, for peoples separated by seas and borders. Let the hope of peace travel further than the voices of violence, and turn those who hold power towards justice and reconciliation.

Silence

God of promise, make all things new:
your word is sure, your promise true.

God of love and faithfulness, breathe your peace through our homes, friendships and communities. Where relationships are strained, bring the possibility of change; where kindness is offered, let it carry hope from one life to another.

Silence

God of promise, make all things new:
your word is sure, your promise true.

God of wholeness, we pray for those whose lives have been disrupted by illness, grief, anxiety or pain; for those waiting for news and those facing changes they did not choose. Carry to them the hope of a world’s new birth.

Silence

God of promise, make all things new:
your word is sure, your promise true.

God of unending life, we remember those who have died and those who mourn them. Hold them in the promise that in Christ all shall be made anew, and bring them into the fullness of your life.

Silence

God of promise, make all things new:
your word is sure, your promise true.

God of hope, your promise travels across seas and continents, carried from life to life and generation to generation. Make us people of your peace, ready for Christ and for the new thing you are bringing to birth.

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

Isles of the southern seas,
sing to the listening earth,
carry on every breeze
hope of a world’s new birth:
in Christ shall all be made anew,
his word is sure, his promise true.