LIGHTING THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE
Waiting, Preparation, Joy, Light

Advent is a time for waiting; for Christmas programs and parties, for food and presents, for family members to come home for Christmas.  

Advent reminds us that we are also waiting for God to come to us, God in the form of the baby Jesus, who lived and died and rose for us.

We wait for God, who will come again in a new and surprising way.  We light the first candle to remind us to wait.

The candle is lit.

From Luke 12, “Be dressed and ready for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them.”

Let us pray: God, in whom we hope, we wait for your coming to us once again.  Strengthen us as we wait, so that we will not lack any spiritual gift.  Help us to stay awake to the signs of your coming.  Amen.

LIGHTING THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE
Waiting, Preparation, Joy, Light

Advent is a time of waiting.  We light the first candle to remind us that we are waiting for God to come.   First candle is lit.

Advent is also a time of preparation.  We decorate, shop, and bake to get ready for Christmas.

WE also prepare ourselves for Jesus to come, by reading his story, by praying and singing, and by sharing with others.

We light the second candle to remind us to prepare.  

The second candle is lit.

From Mark 1: “The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:   Prepare the way of the Lord make his paths straight.’”

Let us pray: God of peace, we look forward to the time when the earth is full of your glory, when righteousness is at home and peace reigns in all the world, May we prepare for that day by working together for justice and peace.  Amen.

LIGHTING THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE
Waiting, Preparation, Joy, Light

This is the third Sunday of Advent.  We’re glad that Christmas is getting closer.

The first candle reminds us to wait.  The first candle is lit.

The second candle reminds us to prepare.  The second candle is lit.

As we wait and get ready, we are thankful that God promises to come and be with us.  We light the third candle in joy for the promises of God.

The third candle is lit.

From Luke 2: “Do not be afraid, for I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Let us pray: Faithful God, we are glad for your promises to us.  We trust that the time is coming when all people will experience comfort, wholeness and liberty.  May we do our part to bring your good news of great joy to all.  Amen.

LIGHTING THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE
Waiting, Preparation, Joy, Light

At last!  The fourth Sunday in Advent!  The first candle gave us light to wait, and it was a long wait.  The first candle is lit.

The second candle gave us light to prepare, and we are almost ready.  The second candle is lit.

The third candle helped us to celebrate God’s promise to come.  The third candle is lit.

Now we light the fourth candle to remind us that Jesus, the light of the world, is coming to us.

The fourth candle is lit.

From Isaiah 9: “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.”

Let us pray: God of love, you have sent your Son as the light of the world.  Even now that light is breaking in upon us.  May we reflect the light of your love, even as we wait for you to come again.  Amen.