Advent Candle Lighting

Welcome to Advent! Many families have an Advent Wreath to help them mark the time until Jesus arrives at Christmas. You can buy one or make one easily. You just need three purple candles and one pink one; some people also have a white one. Each candle symbolizes a different Advent idea. We'll talk about meaning of the purple and pink ones as we go along. The white one, if you use it, is for the light of Christ, and is usually lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas.

Advent 2: December 10

This week, we light a purple candle, the candle of PEACE

Reader Isaiah the Prophet reassured the people, God is sending words of comfort to you, speaking tenderly to you. God promises that your hard labor is over, your sentence has been served and your penalty has been paid. You are forgiven not once, but double all that is needed. [A purple candle is lit.]

All Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Reader Go up to a high mountain, and call out the good news! Lift your voices up with strength and call out the good news! Do not be afraid! Your God is coming.

All Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Reader Let us – in PEACE – kindle the light of the Lord. [A purple candle is lit.] We wait for God’s peace and live in God’s hope as we light these candles.

All Loving God, come and shine your light in the world! Amen.

Advent 1: December 3

You can use the blessing below when you set up your Advent Wreath, then the liturgy below that to light the candle any time during the week. Some families like to do this before dinner. Some like to do it later in the evening. Whatever works for you is great! Start a new tradition or carry on one that has been passed down through the years!

THE BLESSING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

This week we begin the season of Advent, when the days grow short and darkness closes in. We are preparing to celebrate at Christmas the birth of Jesus, who is the light of the world. Let's spend some quiet time being aware of the darkness and longing for the light. [Silence is kept.] Gracious and loving God, bless this wreath and bless us as well. May this wreath remind us of the hope and joy that Jesus brings into the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE

This week, we light a purple candle, the candle of HOPE

Reader The kingdom of God is at hand.

All Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Reader Let us call to mind God’s radical, all-encompassing love as we wait in HOPE during the days and weeks of Advent. As we gather around this wreath. let us remember God’s promise to be with us until the end of time.

All Amen.

Reader Let us – in HOPE – kindle the light of the Lord. [A purple candle is lit.]

All Amen.