Advent Readings

Hope

Scripture Reading:

Micah 7:7 NIV84

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Romans 15:12-13

Romans 15:12–13 NIV84

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” 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.

This year has been a tough year for many in our land. As we begin our season of Advent, we are reminded that our Hope can be found in the Lord.

Today we light the candle of hope. God’s word gives us many promises, but the greatest promise is that we can have hope in Christ. As we celebrate the beginning of the Advent Season, let us remember that our Hope is in Christ.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord for the opportunity to celebrate that we have hope in Christ. Help us to be lights of hope during this season and always. Help us prepare our lives for His Advent within us. In the Name Above All Names we Pray, Amen.

Love

Scripture Reading:

Isaiah 16:5

Isaiah 16:5 NIV84

In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it— one from the house of David— one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Today, we relight the first candle representing Hope and light the second candle that represents LOVE. It is because of LOVE that we have been given the gift of the Messiah. Prophesied hundreds of years prior His coming, God’s Son came because of love, He lived because of Love, and He reigns because of Love. It is because of Love that we can celebrate this season.

Prayer:

Thank you Lord Jesus for Your Love. Thank you that you love us so much that you came into this world to save us. Help us Lord to be the light of your love this season!

In the Amazing Love of Christ We Pray, Amen.

Joy

Scripture:

Isaiah 9:6–7 NIV84

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:

Today, we relight the candles representing Hope recalling God’s promise of sending a Savior and the candle representing Love recalling God’s reason for sending a Savior. Today, we light the candle representing Joy. May our hearts ever be filled with Joy because of our Savior’s coming!

Prayer:

Father we are filled with Joy because we have the hope of Christ and are able to experience His Love. Help us be joyful voices today and the days ahead as we come in contact with others.

In Christ Name we Pray, Amen.

Peace

Scripture:

Luke 2:10–14 NIV84

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:10

Today, we relight the candles representing Hope recalling God’s promise of sending a Savior, the candle representing Love recalling God’s reason for sending a Savior, the candle representing Joy. We light the candle of Peace, remembering that through the Babe born in a manger, we can receive the gift of Peace.

Christ

Luke 2:1-10

Luke 2:1–20 NIV84

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Today we light all four candles in our Advent Wreath. We are reminded of the Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace we have through the Christ child. Now we light the Christ Candle, in the center of our wreath as we rejoice that the promise of God has been fulfilled in the coming of the Baby born in a manger.

Prayer:

Gracious and Mighty King, You came to this world in order that we might have life and have it abundantly. As Your love has been revealed in all of its fullness, we pray that love may abound on this Christmas Eve in our hearts. Grant us the Spirit of Christ that we may live in the fullness of His Love every day!

In the Name Above All Names We Pray, Amen.