SF016 - THE CANDLES OF ADVENT (Isaiah 7 14)
The Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Introduction
The Advent wreath is a simple circle of evergreen branches, a sign of life without end; its four Advent candles encircle a central white Christ candle. Each candle represents a different promise of the coming of the Lord, the first represents the hope he brings, the second His peace, the third, joy, and the fourth, love.
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Pastor: Christ came to bring us salvation and has promised to come again.
Congregation: Come, Lord Jesus
Pastor: Let us pray that the keeping of Advent may open our hearts to God’s love.
Congregation: Come, Lord Jesus
Pastor: Let us pray that the light of Christ may penetrate the darkness of our sin.
Congregation: Come, Lord Jesus
Pastor: Let us pray that this wreath may constantly remind us to prepare for the coming of Christ.
Congregation: Come, Lord Jesus
Pastor: Let us pray that the Christmas season may fill us with peace and joy as we strive to follow our Lord.
Congregation: Come, Lord Jesus
Pastor: Loving God, Your church joyfully awaits the coming of its Savior, who enlightens our hearts and dispels the darkness of sin.
Pour forth Your blessings upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.
May their light reflect the splendor of Christ who is Lord for ever and ever. Amen.
The First Sunday of Advent: Hope
Isaiah 60:2-3
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Hope.
Our hope is in God and in his son Jesus Christ. He is the one appointed by God to be judge of all things. He is the one through whom God has promised to save and redeem his people.
We light this candle today to remind us that Christ is our hope. We thank God for the promises he has made to us and for the light he has brought into the world.
May the light sent from God shine in the darkness to show us the hope of salvation.
Light the First Candle - O come, O come Emanuel #245 (Verse 1)
The Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
Isaiah 9:6-7
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent - the Sunday of Peace.
Our peace is found in God and in his son Jesus Christ.
We light this candle today to remind us that Christ is the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning of the world. We thank God for the hope he gives us and for the peace he bestows.
May the visitation of Your Holy Spirit, O God, cause us to know true peace found only in Your son, Jesus Christ.
Light the First and Second Candles - O come, O come Emanuel #245 (Verse 4)
The Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
Luke 2:8-14
Today is the third Sunday of Advent - the Sunday of Joy.
Our joy is in God and in his son Jesus Christ. Like peace, joy is a gift from God. It overtakes us and fills us when we remember what God has done and what he has promised to do.
We light this candle today to remind us that Christ came, and is coming, so that His people might have a rich and abundant life. We thank God for the hope he gives us, for the peace he bestows, and for the joy he pours into our hearts.
May the joyful promise of Your presence, O Lord, make us rejoice in our hope of salvation.
Light the First, Second, and Third Candle – O come, O come, Emmanuel #245 (Verse 2)
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: LOVE
Romans 5:3-5
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Love.
Jesus shows us God's perfect love. He is God's perfect love in human form. Those who believe in him and live in him, live in love. Love transforms and perfects all things.
We light this candle today to remind us that God is love. We thank God for the hope he gives us, for the peace he bestows, for the joy he pours into our hearts, and for the love that redeems us and shows us the way.
We thank you, O Lord for Your love for us, because You loved us we love you.
Light the First, Second, Third and Fourth Candle – O come, O come, Emmanuel #245 (Verse 3)