An Advent Psalm: Waiting for the Light

Advent is a season of anticipation and holy longing. It’s a time for us to slow down, breathe deep, and remember that the Light of Christ still breaks into the darkest corners of our world and our hearts. In celebration of Advent 2025, I’ve written a psalm. I pray it encourages you as you reflect on the message of Advent this year.

An Advent Psalm

Written by Rainer Bantau

1
Lord, in the quiet moments before dawn,
when shadows stretch long and silence settles over the earth,
we lift our hearts to You,
the God who draws near.

2
In this season of waiting,
teach us to watch with holy expectation.
Help us recognize the glow of Your presence
in places we often overlook.

3
For generations Your people waited, listening for footsteps in the dark,
hoping for the promised One
who would speak peace to the broken
and bind up the wounded.

4
We join that ancient chorus today.
Our hope is not fragile,
for You are faithful.
You keep Your word.
You fulfill every promise.

5
Jesus, Light of the World,
shine upon our homes,
our communities,
and the places inside us
we’ve kept hidden for too long.
Let hope rise like morning.

6
When the season grows busy
and noise crowds out wonder,
lead us back to the manger;
to stillness,
to simplicity,
to love wrapped in humility.

7
Prepare our hearts to receive You fully.
Shape us into people who carry Your peace,
extend Your mercy,
and reflect Your light
in a world longing for joy.

8
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Not only in Bethlehem,
but in us.
Renew, restore,
and redeem the days we’ve lost
and the hope we’ve forgotten.

9
Blessed be the God who comes close,
who fills our longing with life.
You are our Light,
our Joy,
our Emmanuel.
Amen.

An Advent Prayer

Dear Sweet Lord Jesus,
As we enter this Advent season, quiet our souls and awaken our hearts.
Let Your light break into our darkness and Your peace settle over our lives.
Teach us to wait well, to hope deeply, and to follow You faithfully.
Fill us with Your presence so that we may shine Your love into the world around us. In Your precious and holy name. Amen.