FIRST ADVENT CANDLE
Songs of Advent – Song of Isaiah

As we anticipate the coming of the Lord, we look with joy to God who came in Jesus; comes to us now in Word and Sacrament; and will come again at the close of the age to bring about the reconciliation of the world.  With Isaiah’s song, we look for God’s coming as a light in darkness, as joy for your people, and as peace and justice.

The Scripture lesson is read:
Isaiah 9:2-7 
	2  The people who walked in darkness
		have seen a great light;
	those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- 
		on them light has shined. 
	3 You have multiplied the nation,
		you have increased its joy;
	they rejoice before you
		as with joy at the harvest,
		as people exult when dividing plunder. 
	4 For the yoke of their burden,
		and the bar across their shoulders,
		the rod of their oppressor,
		you have broken as on the day of Midian. 
	5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
		and all the garments rolled in blood
		shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 
	6 For a child has been born for us,
		a son given to us;
	authority rests upon his shoulders;
		and he is named
	Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
		Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
	7 His authority shall grow continually,
		and there shall be endless peace
	for the throne of David and his kingdom.
		He will establish and uphold it
	with justice and with righteousness
		from this time onward and forevermore.
	The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

The first candle is lit while one verse of “O Come, O Come Emanuel” is sung.  The closing prayer is prayed.

We give you thanks that you have promised to come again with power and might.  We look forward to the joy and peace you will bring to your people.  Amen.

SECOND ADVENT CANDLE
Songs of Advent - Song of Mary

 As we anticipate the coming of the Lord, we look with joy to God who came in Jesus, comes to us now in Word and Sacrament; and will come again at the close of the age to bring about the reconciliation of the world.  With Mary’s song, we look for the time when God will come with justice for the poor and to fill the hungry with good food.

The Scripture lesson is read:

Luke 1:46-55 
	46 And Mary said,
	"My soul magnifies the Lord, 
		47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 
	48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
		Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 
	49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
		and holy is his name. 
	50 His mercy is for those who fear him
		from generation to generation. 
	51 He has shown strength with his arm;
		he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 
	52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
		and lifted up the lowly; 
	53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
		and sent the rich away empty. 
	54 He has helped his servant Israel,
		in remembrance of his mercy, 
	55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
		to Abraham and to his descendants forever." 

The two candles are lit while one verse of “O Come, O Come Emanuel” is sung.  The closing prayer is prayed.

As we anticipate your coming with power and might, let us work to bring what you have promised through Mary into the present today.  Amen.

THIRD ADVENT CANDLE
Songs of Advent – Zechariah’s Song

As we anticipate the coming of the Lord, we look with joy to God who came in Jesus, comes to us now in Word and Sacrament, and will come again at the close of the age to bring about the reconciliation of the world.  With Zechariah’s song, we look for salvation; we look for God’s mercy; we look for forgiveness of sin.

The Scripture lesson is read:
Luke 1:68-79 
	68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
		for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. 
	69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us
		in the house of his servant David, 
	70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 
		71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. 
	72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
		and has remembered his holy covenant, 
	73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
		to grant us 
74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
	might serve him without fear, 
75 in holiness and righteousness
		before him all our days. 
	76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
		for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, 
	77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
		by the forgiveness of their sins. 
	78 By the tender mercy of our God,
		the dawn from on high will break upon us, 
	79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
		to guide our feet into the way of peace." 

Three candles are lit while one verse of “O Come, O Come Emanuel” is sung.  The closing prayer is prayed.

We pray for your great mercy and forgiveness that we might know your salvation now and in the ages to come.  Help us, like John the Baptizer, to give the knowledge of salvation to all people.  Amen.

FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE
Songs of Advent – Song of Simeon

As we anticipate the coming of the Lord, we look with joy to God who came in Jesus, comes to us now in Word and Sacrament, and will come again at the close of the age to bring about the reconciliation of the world.  With Simeon’s song, we look for God’s coming in Jesus, who is God’s salvation, light and glory for all people.

The Scripture lesson is read:
Luke 2:29-32		Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the nations, and for glory to your people Israel.  

Four candles are lit while one verse of “O Come, O Come Emanuel” is sung.  The closing prayer is prayed.

Give us peace, O Lord, as we await your coming.  Help us to see in Jesus your salvation prepared for us now and fulfilled in the age to come when we will be united with your for all times.  Amen.