Series: 2024 Advent (Dec.1,8th,15th, & 22nd) Old & New Testament Passages, Music, Responsive Readings, Contemporary Music.

First Candle, 12/1/24: HOPE (The Prophecy Candle)

Bible Verses:

- Old Testament:

Isaiah 9:6–7 NLT

6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

-New Testament:

Romans 15:12–13 NLT

12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” 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.

Responsive Reading:

- **Leader:** The Lord has promised a Savior.

- **People:** We wait in hope for the Messiah.

- **Leader:** The Lord will send a righteous King.

- **People:** We look to Him for our salvation.

- **Leader:** He will bring peace to the nations.

- **People:** We place our hope in His coming.

Hymns:

1. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"** – Key: E minor

2. "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"** – Key: G Major

3. "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less"** – Key: C Major

Christmas Carols:

1. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" – Key: D Major

2. “O Little Town of Bethlehem" – Key: F Major

3. "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" – Key: E flat Major

Contemporary Christian Songs:

1. "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham – Key: B Major (or G Major for easier singing)

2. "Do It Again" by Elevation Worship– Key: A Major

3. "Hope Has a Name" by River Valley Worship – Key: D Major

Second Candle 12/8/24: PEACE (The Bethlehem Candle)

Bible Verses:

- Old Testament:

Isaiah 2:4 NLT

4 The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.

- New Testament:

John 14:27 NLT

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Responsive Reading:

- **Leader:** The angel proclaimed peace on earth.

- **People:** We long for peace to fill the world.

- **Leader:** Christ brings peace to our hearts.

- **People:** We trust in His peace that surpasses all understanding.

- **Leader:** The peace of Christ reigns in our lives.

- **People:** We receive His peace today.

Hymns:

1. **"Silent Night"** – Key: C Major

2. **"It Is Well with My Soul"** – Key: D flat Major

3. **"Let There Be Peace on Earth"** – Key: F Major

Christmas Carols:

1. **"O Holy Night"** – Key: G Major

2. **"Away in a Manger"** – Key: G Major

3. **"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"** – Key: D Major

Contemporary Christian Songs:

1. **"Peace Be Still" by The Belonging Co.** – Key: A Major

2. **"Peace" by Hillsong Young & Free** – Key: E Major

3. **"I Speak Jesus" by Here Be Lions** – Key: B Major

Third Candle, 12/17/24 JOY (The Shepherd's Candle)

Bible Verses:

- Old Testament:

Psalm 96:11–13 NLT

11 Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! 12 Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.

-New Testament:

Luke 2:10–11 NLT

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. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!

Responsive Reading:

- **Leader:** The Savior is born, bringing great joy.

- **People:** We rejoice in His birth.

- **Leader:** The Lord has come to bring gladness.

- **People:** We celebrate His joyful arrival.

- **Leader:** Let every heart and soul rejoice!

- **People:** We lift our voices in joy and praise.

Hymns:

1. **"Joy to the World"** – Key: D Major

2. **"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"** – Key: D Major

3. **"Rejoice, the Lord Is King"** – Key: E flat Major

#### **Christmas Carols:**

1. **"Angels We Have Heard on High"** – Key: G Major

2. **"The First Noel"** – Key: D Major

3. **"Good Christian Men, Rejoice"** – Key: F Major

#### **Contemporary Christian Songs:**

1. **"Joy" by For King & Country** – Key: B Major

2. **"Joy of the Lord" by Rend Collective** – Key: E Major

3. **"House of the Lord" by Phil Wickham** – Key: D Major

Fourth Candle 12/22/24 LOVE (The Angel's Candle)

Bible Verses:

- Old Testament:

Isaiah 54:10 NLT

10 For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you.

-New Testament:

John 15:13 NLT

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Responsive Reading:

- **Leader:** God’s love has been revealed in Christ.

- **People:** We are recipients of His great love.

- **Leader:** Christ showed the greatest love by laying down His life for us.

- **People:** We are called to love as He has loved us.

- **Leader:** Let us love one another as He first loved us.

- **People:** We embrace the love of God in our hearts and lives.

Hymns:

1. **"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"** – Key: F Major

2. **"O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go"** – Key: C Major

3. **"The King of Love My Shepherd Is"** – Key: E flat Major

Christmas Carols:

1. **"Angels from the Realms of Glory"** – Key: G Major

2. **"What Child Is This?"** – Key: E Minor

3. **"In the Bleak Midwinter"** – Key: G Major

Contemporary Christian Songs:

1. **"Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury** – Key: A flat Major (or G Major for easier congregational singing)

2. **"One Thing Remains" by Jesus Culture** – Key: B Major

3. **"Noel" by Chris Tomlin feat. Lauren Daigle** – Key: C Major