An Advent Prayer

O almighty heavenly Father, Thou gardener of Thy people, who hast grafted us into the vine of Thy Son, Jesus, by our baptisms; we give Thee thanks that Thou hast raised up the Righteous Branch, who is Christ, from the stump of Jesse, and a heavenly shoot from the line of David.   Please grant unto us, Thy servants, an expectant heart for the coming of Thy Son both in the manger and also in His coming glory.  And, we are grateful to Thee, O Christ, that Thou hast given us, by Thy weekly Advent, Thy body and blood in the bread and wine.   But we rejoice in Thee, O God, for Thou hast granted us sinners to see the promise, which was first given to Eve, fulfilled in Blessed Mary.  We sinners beseech Thee, O Father, for mercy and to prepare our hearts, by Thy Spirit, to be, through faith, a manger for Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  And that we may see His life from shoot to being grafted, by nails, into the cursed tree, on our behalf, and see that we are the fruit that He bears after His resurrection.   All praise to Thee, O God, that Thou hast grafted us into the riven Vine through water and blood.  Grant us the voice, O Father, to praise Christ, Thy Son, by saying with all the company of heaven, “Blessed is He who cometh in the name of the Lord!   Hosanna in the highest!”  Through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end.   Amen.