Advent Candles continued...

First Week of Advent - A Week of Hope - Dec 3 – 9

Reader 1: According to tradition, each candle has a special meaning. The first one,

usually purple, is called the candle of hope. People in the Old Testament knew that

God had promised to send a Savior. And we’re filled with hope because we know

that Jesus came to Earth on the first Christmas so he could tell people about God

and die for our sins. As we get ready to light the first candle on your Advent wreath,

let us listen to a reading from Romans.

Reader 2: 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and

peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through

the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.

Sharing: Share some ways that you’re filled with hope because you know Jesus or

how Jesus makes a difference in your lives.

After sharing, the first purple or a blue candle is lit and all say,

All: One candle, burning bright,

Chasing away the darkness from light.

One candle, glowing light,

The blessing of God, giving new sight.

Reader 2: Let us pray. Dear God, we pray for the hope that is in Christ to come into

our lives in a new way. May we become hope that is alive in our world. Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent – A Week of Preparation - Dec 10 – 16

Reader 1: The second candle on an Advent wreath, usually purple, represents

preparation. Listen to a reading from Mark.

Reader 2: 3

He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s

coming! Clear the road for him!’ 4 This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in

the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had

repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Mark 1:3-4

Reader 1: John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, spread the word that Jesus was on his way.

Part of our preparations for Christmas can include letting other people know what

Christmas is all about-the birth of our Savior.

Sharing: Just as we get our homes and churches ready for Christmas, we also get our

hearts ready for baby Jesus. Brainstorm a list of things you do to get ready for house

guests. Talk about what you would do differently if Jesus were coming to stay at your

house.

After sharing, light the first and second purple candles or two blue candles.

All: Two candles, burning bright,

chasing away the darkness from light.

Two candles, glowing light,

The blessing of God, giving new sight.

Reader 2: Let us pray. Dear God, we pray that our hearts will be ready for your

coming through your Son, Jesus the Christ. Help us to see how you call us to prepare.

Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent – A Week of Joy, Dec 17 – 23

Reader 1: The third candle on an Advent wreath, usually pink, symbolizes joy.

Christmas excitement is building as the holiday quickly approaches. Listen to a

reading from Luke.

Reader 2: 10 But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you

good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:10.

Reader 1: The angels made a big announcement on the first Christmas, calling Jesus’

birth ‘good news’ that would bring ‘great joy.’ Everything we do to get ready for

Christmas can fill us with joy about Jesus. When we’re joyful, we, like the angels, can

help spread that good news.

Light the first three candles (the two purple and the pink candles or three blue candles) on your

Advent wreath.

Sharing: Let each person share one thing they’re especially joyful about this

Christmas that is coming. Then say.

All: Three candles, burning bright,

Chasing away the darkness from light.

Three candles, glowing bright,

The blessing of God, giving new sight.

Reader 2: Let us pray. Dear God, we pray for the joy that is found in Jesus, that those

who seek it may truly find it. May we celebrate in the joy found in You. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent –A Week of Love, Dec 24

(A really short fourth week of Advent! – one day long.)

Reader 1: The fourth candle on an Advent wreath, usually purple, is often called the

candle of love. Christmas happened because of God’s great love for all people.

Sharing: As your family gets ready to open Christmas gifts, talk about why we give

nice things to people we love. Ask: What are some of the most memorable gifts

you’ve received? How can you tell when much love and thought go into a gift?

Reader 2: A reading from John. 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his

one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have

eternal life. John 3:16.

Reader 1: At Christmas, God gave us the best gift ever. He sent his Son, Jesus, to live,

die, and rise again so we could live with him forever in heaven. Although this gift

required great sacrifice, God knew we needed Jesus.

Light all four candles on your Advent wreath.

All: Four candles, burning bright,

Chasing away the darkness with light.

Four candles, glowing bright,

The blessing of God, giving new sight.

Reader 2: Let us pray. Dear God, we pray that our faith may be renewed once again,

and may we relive the wonder of your love in our lives. In the name of Jesus the

Christ, we pray. Amen.