Series: Advent 2024 Reflections & Responsive Readings

### **First Sunday of Advent: HOPE (The Prophecy Candle)**

As we light the first candle of Advent, the Prophecy Candle, we enter a season of **hope**. For centuries, God’s people awaited the fulfillment of His promises—the coming of the Messiah. The prophet Isaiah foretold of a child who would be born to us, a Savior who would bring light to a world covered in darkness: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). This hope was not only for ancient Israel but for all of us, pointing to the day when God would send His Son, Jesus, to save and redeem.

Hope is powerful. It lifts our eyes beyond our present struggles and reminds us of the faithfulness of God. In Romans 15:13, Paul prays, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” As we reflect on the hope of the coming Savior, we are reminded that God’s promises never fail. Hope in Christ sustains us today and gives us courage for tomorrow.

**Responsive Reading:**

Leader: Today, we light the first candle of Advent, the candle of **Hope**.

People: We give thanks for the promises of God and the hope that sustains us.

Leader: Jesus is the light of the world, the fulfillment of God's promises.

People: In Him, we find our hope. We wait for the Lord with eager hearts.

Leader: May the light of hope shine brightly in our lives.

People: Come, Lord Jesus, our Hope and our Savior.

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### **Second Sunday of Advent: PEACE (The Bethlehem Candle)**

Today, as we light the second candle, the Bethlehem Candle, we focus on **peace**. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, was a humble town, yet it became the setting for the greatest gift of peace the world has ever known. Micah 5:2 foretold that out of Bethlehem would come one who would “shepherd my people.” The Prince of Peace entered the world in the quiet of the night, bringing a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The peace of Christ is not merely the absence of conflict. It is the wholeness and reconciliation that only God can bring. In a world filled with division, fear, and uncertainty, we are reminded that Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts, our relationships, and the world. Let us invite His peace into our lives this Advent season and carry it to those around us.

**Responsive Reading:**

Leader: Today, we light the second candle of Advent, the candle of **Peace**.

People: We give thanks for the peace Jesus brings to our hearts and our world.

Leader: In a troubled world, we long for the peace of Christ.

People: His peace guards our hearts and minds, giving us rest.

Leader: May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts today.

People: Come, Lord Jesus, our Peace and our Shepherd.

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### **Third Sunday of Advent: JOY (The Shepherd’s Candle)**

On the third Sunday of Advent, we light the Shepherd’s Candle, symbolizing **joy**. The shepherds, ordinary and humble people, were the first to hear the joyful news of Jesus' birth. The angel declared to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). This joy was not based on their circumstances but on the reality of the Savior’s arrival.

The joy we celebrate in Advent is not fleeting or dependent on what is happening around us. It is a deep and abiding joy that flows from knowing that Christ has come to save us. In John 15:11, Jesus says, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This Advent season, let us embrace the joy that Jesus offers, sharing it with those around us, even in difficult times.

**Responsive Reading:**

Leader: Today, we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of **Joy**.

People: We give thanks for the joy Jesus brings to our lives and our world.

Leader: The joy of the Lord is our strength, even in challenging times.

People: We rejoice in the good news of Christ's coming.

Leader: May the joy of the Lord fill our hearts this Advent season.

People: Come, Lord Jesus, our Joy and our Salvation.

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### **Fourth Sunday of Advent: LOVE (The Angel’s Candle)**

As we light the fourth candle, the Angel’s Candle, we reflect on the incredible gift of **love**. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, he announced God’s plan to demonstrate His love in the most personal way possible: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). The angel’s message was the fulfillment of God’s love for humanity. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus’ coming is the ultimate act of love—God reaching down into our brokenness to bring healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation. As we light this candle, let us reflect on the depth of God’s love for us, and let that love inspire us to love others selflessly. In this Advent season, we are called to embody the love of Christ, spreading His light in our families, communities, and the world.

**Responsive Reading:**

Leader: Today, we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of **Love**.

People: We give thanks for the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Leader: Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love for the world.

People: We are called to love one another as Christ has loved us.

Leader: May the love of Christ shine brightly in our hearts and actions.

People: Come, Lord Jesus, our Love and our Redeemer.