\n<\/strong>
\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
Advent Devotional Guide:<\/strong> <\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/strong>Preparing for the Coming of Christ<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nby Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.patheos.com\/blogs\/sites\/44\/2011\/04\/Week-1-after-5.jpg\")
<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nCopyright \u00a9 2011 by Mark D. Roberts and Patheos.com<\/p>\n
Note: You may download this resource at no cost, for personal use or for use in a Christian ministry, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you acknowledge the source of this material: http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/markdroberts\/<\/a>.
\nFor all other uses, please contact me at mark@markdroberts.com<\/a>. Thank you.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nIntroduction<\/span><\/h2>\nAdvent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us prepare for the coming, or \u201cadvent\u201d of the Christ child at Christmas. (The word \u201cadvent\u201d comes from the Latin word that means \u201ccoming.\u201d)<\/p>\n
For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ. By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ\u2019s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives.<\/p>\n
There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ and is often called the Christ Candle). I have been in churches where the candles point to peace, hope, joy, and love. In other settings they are identified with key figures in the stories of the birth of Jesus, such as the shepherds, the angels, Joseph, and Mary. I have used the main theme of waiting to give structure and meaning to the Advent candles, with each candle focused on different aspects of our waiting.<\/p>\n
Advent wreaths employ candles with a variety of colors. Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple or blue candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle. I share an understanding of the Advent wreath with many Christians for whom the purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God\u2019s people have been in waiting for the Messiah. The pink signifies the joy of our waiting. The white is triumphant and celebrative because Christ is born. (If you prefer blue candles, that\u2019s fine. When I say,<\/ins> \u201cLight a purple candle,\u201d you can translate that into \u201cblue candle.\u201d<\/p>\nWhat follows is a guide for personal, family, or corporate worship that can accompany the lighting of the candles of the Advent wreath. You can do this on your own with a real Advent wreath. Or you can use this guide with your family, which might certainly include close friends. All families are different, and I encourage you to adapt or to change what I suggested here . . . or do something completely original. Parents will want to make changes to fit the developmental stages of their children.<\/p>\n
Speaking of children, they have great expectations and hopes during Advent \u2013 usually associated with Christmas presents, Santa Claus, holiday celebrations, and so forth. Rather than discouraging these hopes (which is a \u201chopeless\u201d task!), I would urge parents to help their children get the \u201cfeel\u201d of Advent by relating their hopes to biblical Advent themes.<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the First Candle: Waiting for the Shepherd<\/span><\/h2>\nThe First Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
[Note: Someone can read or paraphrase the following. Or you might want to discuss the meaning of Advent together.]<\/p>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit\u201d. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves get ready for the birth of Jesus. The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible. These meanings help us understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
[This prayer can be read, or simply used as a model.]<\/p>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
[Parents, you may wish to abbreviate or eliminate certain readings depending on the age(s) of your child(ren). You may also want to read these selections out of a Children\u2019s Bible.]<\/p>\n
Psalm 80:1-7<\/p>\n
In this Psalm, we join the people of Israel as they invite God their Shepherd to save and to restore them.<\/p>\n
Isaiah 40:1-11<\/p>\n
This passage looks ahead to the coming of the Lord, who will care for his people like a shepherd.<\/p>\n
Revelation 7:9-17<\/p>\n
Like God\u2019s people before the coming of Christ, we also look ahead to the time when Christ, who is both the Lamb and our Shepherd, will finish his work and \u201cGod will wipe away every tear\u201d from our eyes.<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the first purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we also look forward with hope to the coming of the Shepherd. The purple color of the candle reminds us of the seriousness of our hope.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
[To be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we hope for your coming as our Good Shepherd. Please gather us in your arms, feed us with spiritual food, wipe away every tear from our eyes, and \u201clet your face shine, that we may be saved\u201d. Come, our Shepherd! Amen.<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
O come to us, our Shepherd,
\nO come to us, our Shepherd,
\nO come to us, our Shepherd,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Second Candle: Waiting for Forgiveness<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Second Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
[Re-light the first purple candle.<\/ins>]<\/p>\nWe Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit<\/ins>.\u201d In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. Last week we lit a candle that signified our waiting for God our Shepherd.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on the coming of Christ who brings forgiveness from our sins.<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Psalm 130:1-8<\/p>\n
In this psalm, <\/ins>we join the psalmist in crying out for God\u2019s forgiveness.<\/p>\nJeremiah 31:31-34<\/p>\n
God promises to make a new covenant with us, in which our sins will be forgiven and forgotten.<\/p>\n
Luke 1:68-79<\/p>\n
When an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple and tells him that his wife will give birth to a son, the old man doesn\u2019t believe the angel. As a result, Zechariah is unable to speak for many months, until immediately after the birth of his son John (the Baptist). Right after the birth, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks the prophecy that we will read.<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the second purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we also need a Savior who will forgive our sins. The purple color reminds us of the seriousness of our sin and our great need for God\u2019s forgiveness.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we recognize our sin and our need for a savior. We wait for your forgiveness in Christ. We long to be purified so that we might present ourselves to you in righteousness. Come, Our Savior! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
O come to us, forgive us,
\nO come to us, forgive us,
\nO come to us, forgive us,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Third Candle: Waiting with Joy<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Third Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
[Re-light the first two purple candles]<\/p>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit\u201d. In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit two candles. The first helped us to hope for God our Shepherd; with the second we asked God to come and forgive our sins.<\/p>\n
Today we remember the joy of waiting, because we know how the story ends!<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Psalm 126:1-6<\/p>\n
This psalm celebrates God\u2019s restoration of Israel \u2014 and it cries out to God for future restoration.<\/p>\n
Zephaniah 3:14-20<\/p>\n
Through the prophet Zephaniah God looks ahead to the time when he will renew and heal his people. It will be a day of great rejoicing, both for them and for God!<\/p>\n
Philippians 4:4-7<\/p>\n
We also rejoice in the Lord, in part because we know that \u201cthe Lord is near.\u201d This means, not only that God is with us right now, but that Christ is coming soon.<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the pink candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we know that God has come in Christ and that Christ will come again. We rejoice in God\u2019s work in history and in the future. The pink color means joy!<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice. We know how the first act of the story ended \u2013 with the birth of Jesus the Messiah. And we know that he will come again in glory. So even though the story isn\u2019t over, we rejoice in our hope. We wait for you, rejoicing! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
We wait for you, rejoicing,
\nWe wait for you, rejoicing,
\nWe wait for you, rejoicing,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Fourth Candle: Waiting for the Son<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Fourth Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
[Re-light two purple candles and the pink candle.]<\/p>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit.\u201d <\/ins><\/del>In the Christian season of Advent,<\/ins> we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit three candles. The first reminded us to wait for God our Shepherd. With the second we asked the Lord to come and forgive our sins. The third, pink, candle signified our joy as we wait.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on the coming of the Son \u2013 the son of Mary, the Son of God!<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-37, 46-52<\/p>\n
This psalm celebrates God\u2019s covenant with David and with the descendants of David. He even calls God \u201cmy Father\u201d (vs. 26). But the psalmist composed this psalm at a time when God\u2019s blessing upon Israel seemed very far away. He calls upon the Lord to remember his covenant to David.<\/p>\n
Isaiah 9:1-7<\/p>\n
Deliverance will come for God\u2019s people through the \u201cson\u201d who is given to them. He will sit on the throne of David and his kingdom will last forever.<\/p>\n
Luke 1:26-38<\/p>\n
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is pregnant and will give birth to a son. Her son will also be \u201cthe Son of the Most High\u201d and will sit on the throne of David. He will be the reigning Son of David and the divine Son of God!<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the final purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because we look forward with eagerness to the birth of a child, the son of Mary and the Son of God! The purple color reminds us of how serious we are in looking forward to the Son\u2019s birth.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we look ahead with hope to the birth of your Son \u2014 the Son of David, the son of Mary. May we be prepared to welcome him with open arms and open hearts. O come now, Son of David! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
O come now, Son of David,
\nO come now, Son of David,
\nO come now, Son of David,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Christ Candle: Our Waiting is Over!<\/span><\/h2>\nChristmas Eve or Christmas Day<\/p>\n
[Re-light the three purple candles and the pink candle]<\/p>\n
We Celebrate the Birth of Christ<\/h3>\n
In the season of Advent we have used the Advent wreath and its candles to help us get ready for this great celebration of the birth of Christ.<\/p>\n
When we lit the first purple candle, we asked God to come and be our Good Shepherd. God our Shepherd has come in Jesus Christ!<\/p>\n
When we lit the second purple candle, we asked God to come and forgive our sins. God has come in Jesus Christ to take our sins and die upon the cross so that we might be forgiven!<\/p>\n
When we lit the third, pink candle, we felt joyful even in our longing for Christ to come. Christ, who has been born in a manger, will come again in glory to wipe away every tear from our eyes!<\/p>\n
When we lit the fourth candle, we remembered that Christ would come as a son \u2013 the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the Son of God! This Son has been born! He is Immanuel \u2013 God with us!<\/p>\n
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus who forgives our sins, Jesus who will come again, Jesus the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the very Son of God!<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light the center candle today, may we celebrate with full joy the birth of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen!<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Micah 5:1-5<\/p>\n
God promises through the prophet Micah that his future rule will come from Bethlehem, even though this town is, indeed, a \u201clittle town\u201d and quite insignificant.<\/p>\n
Luke 2:1-20<\/p>\n
Jesus the Messiah is born in Bethlehem!<\/p>\n
Psalm 145<\/p>\n
Let us join the psalmist in offering praise to God for his mighty works!<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the center, white candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle with great joy and celebration, because Christ is born in Bethlehem. God\u2019s Son has come into the world to be our Savior! And he will come again in glory.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Joy and Adoration<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice in the birth of your Son. May we worship him, welcome him, and make room for him in our hearts. O come, let us adore him! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
O come let us adore him,
\nO come let us adore him,
\nO come let us adore him,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
<\/strong>Preparing for the Coming of Christ<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nby Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\nCopyright \u00a9 2011 by Mark D. Roberts and Patheos.com<\/p>\n
Note: You may download this resource at no cost, for personal use or for use in a Christian ministry, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you acknowledge the source of this material: http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/markdroberts\/<\/a>.
\nFor all other uses, please contact me at mark@markdroberts.com<\/a>. Thank you.<\/p>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nIntroduction<\/span><\/h2>\nAdvent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us prepare for the coming, or \u201cadvent\u201d of the Christ child at Christmas. (The word \u201cadvent\u201d comes from the Latin word that means \u201ccoming.\u201d)<\/p>\n
For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ. By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ\u2019s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives.<\/p>\n
There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ and is often called the Christ Candle). I have been in churches where the candles point to peace, hope, joy, and love. In other settings they are identified with key figures in the stories of the birth of Jesus, such as the shepherds, the angels, Joseph, and Mary. I have used the main theme of waiting to give structure and meaning to the Advent candles, with each candle focused on different aspects of our waiting.<\/p>\n
Advent wreaths employ candles with a variety of colors. Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple or blue candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle. I share an understanding of the Advent wreath with many Christians for whom the purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God\u2019s people have been in waiting for the Messiah. The pink signifies the joy of our waiting. The white is triumphant and celebrative because Christ is born. (If you prefer blue candles, that\u2019s fine. When I say,<\/ins> \u201cLight a purple candle,\u201d you can translate that into \u201cblue candle.\u201d<\/p>\nWhat follows is a guide for personal, family, or corporate worship that can accompany the lighting of the candles of the Advent wreath. You can do this on your own with a real Advent wreath. Or you can use this guide with your family, which might certainly include close friends. All families are different, and I encourage you to adapt or to change what I suggested here . . . or do something completely original. Parents will want to make changes to fit the developmental stages of their children.<\/p>\n
Speaking of children, they have great expectations and hopes during Advent \u2013 usually associated with Christmas presents, Santa Claus, holiday celebrations, and so forth. Rather than discouraging these hopes (which is a \u201chopeless\u201d task!), I would urge parents to help their children get the \u201cfeel\u201d of Advent by relating their hopes to biblical Advent themes.<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the First Candle: Waiting for the Shepherd<\/span><\/h2>\nThe First Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
[Note: Someone can read or paraphrase the following. Or you might want to discuss the meaning of Advent together.]<\/p>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit\u201d. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves get ready for the birth of Jesus. The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible. These meanings help us understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
[This prayer can be read, or simply used as a model.]<\/p>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
[Parents, you may wish to abbreviate or eliminate certain readings depending on the age(s) of your child(ren). You may also want to read these selections out of a Children\u2019s Bible.]<\/p>\n
Psalm 80:1-7<\/p>\n
In this Psalm, we join the people of Israel as they invite God their Shepherd to save and to restore them.<\/p>\n
Isaiah 40:1-11<\/p>\n
This passage looks ahead to the coming of the Lord, who will care for his people like a shepherd.<\/p>\n
Revelation 7:9-17<\/p>\n
Like God\u2019s people before the coming of Christ, we also look ahead to the time when Christ, who is both the Lamb and our Shepherd, will finish his work and \u201cGod will wipe away every tear\u201d from our eyes.<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the first purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we also look forward with hope to the coming of the Shepherd. The purple color of the candle reminds us of the seriousness of our hope.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
[To be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we hope for your coming as our Good Shepherd. Please gather us in your arms, feed us with spiritual food, wipe away every tear from our eyes, and \u201clet your face shine, that we may be saved\u201d. Come, our Shepherd! Amen.<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
O come to us, our Shepherd,
\nO come to us, our Shepherd,
\nO come to us, our Shepherd,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Second Candle: Waiting for Forgiveness<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Second Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
[Re-light the first purple candle.<\/ins>]<\/p>\nWe Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit<\/ins>.\u201d In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. Last week we lit a candle that signified our waiting for God our Shepherd.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on the coming of Christ who brings forgiveness from our sins.<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Psalm 130:1-8<\/p>\n
In this psalm, <\/ins>we join the psalmist in crying out for God\u2019s forgiveness.<\/p>\nJeremiah 31:31-34<\/p>\n
God promises to make a new covenant with us, in which our sins will be forgiven and forgotten.<\/p>\n
Luke 1:68-79<\/p>\n
When an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple and tells him that his wife will give birth to a son, the old man doesn\u2019t believe the angel. As a result, Zechariah is unable to speak for many months, until immediately after the birth of his son John (the Baptist). Right after the birth, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks the prophecy that we will read.<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the second purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we also need a Savior who will forgive our sins. The purple color reminds us of the seriousness of our sin and our great need for God\u2019s forgiveness.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we recognize our sin and our need for a savior. We wait for your forgiveness in Christ. We long to be purified so that we might present ourselves to you in righteousness. Come, Our Savior! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
O come to us, forgive us,
\nO come to us, forgive us,
\nO come to us, forgive us,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Third Candle: Waiting with Joy<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Third Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
[Re-light the first two purple candles]<\/p>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit\u201d. In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit two candles. The first helped us to hope for God our Shepherd; with the second we asked God to come and forgive our sins.<\/p>\n
Today we remember the joy of waiting, because we know how the story ends!<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Psalm 126:1-6<\/p>\n
This psalm celebrates God\u2019s restoration of Israel \u2014 and it cries out to God for future restoration.<\/p>\n
Zephaniah 3:14-20<\/p>\n
Through the prophet Zephaniah God looks ahead to the time when he will renew and heal his people. It will be a day of great rejoicing, both for them and for God!<\/p>\n
Philippians 4:4-7<\/p>\n
We also rejoice in the Lord, in part because we know that \u201cthe Lord is near.\u201d This means, not only that God is with us right now, but that Christ is coming soon.<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the pink candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we know that God has come in Christ and that Christ will come again. We rejoice in God\u2019s work in history and in the future. The pink color means joy!<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice. We know how the first act of the story ended \u2013 with the birth of Jesus the Messiah. And we know that he will come again in glory. So even though the story isn\u2019t over, we rejoice in our hope. We wait for you, rejoicing! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
We wait for you, rejoicing,
\nWe wait for you, rejoicing,
\nWe wait for you, rejoicing,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Fourth Candle: Waiting for the Son<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Fourth Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n
[Re-light two purple candles and the pink candle.]<\/p>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit.\u201d <\/ins><\/del>In the Christian season of Advent,<\/ins> we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n\u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n
\u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit three candles. The first reminded us to wait for God our Shepherd. With the second we asked the Lord to come and forgive our sins. The third, pink, candle signified our joy as we wait.<\/p>\n
Today we focus on the coming of the Son \u2013 the son of Mary, the Son of God!<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-37, 46-52<\/p>\n
This psalm celebrates God\u2019s covenant with David and with the descendants of David. He even calls God \u201cmy Father\u201d (vs. 26). But the psalmist composed this psalm at a time when God\u2019s blessing upon Israel seemed very far away. He calls upon the Lord to remember his covenant to David.<\/p>\n
Isaiah 9:1-7<\/p>\n
Deliverance will come for God\u2019s people through the \u201cson\u201d who is given to them. He will sit on the throne of David and his kingdom will last forever.<\/p>\n
Luke 1:26-38<\/p>\n
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is pregnant and will give birth to a son. Her son will also be \u201cthe Son of the Most High\u201d and will sit on the throne of David. He will be the reigning Son of David and the divine Son of God!<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the final purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle because we look forward with eagerness to the birth of a child, the son of Mary and the Son of God! The purple color reminds us of how serious we are in looking forward to the Son\u2019s birth.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we look ahead with hope to the birth of your Son \u2014 the Son of David, the son of Mary. May we be prepared to welcome him with open arms and open hearts. O come now, Son of David! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
[To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n
O come now, Son of David,
\nO come now, Son of David,
\nO come now, Son of David,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
The Lighting of the Christ Candle: Our Waiting is Over!<\/span><\/h2>\nChristmas Eve or Christmas Day<\/p>\n
[Re-light the three purple candles and the pink candle]<\/p>\n
We Celebrate the Birth of Christ<\/h3>\n
In the season of Advent we have used the Advent wreath and its candles to help us get ready for this great celebration of the birth of Christ.<\/p>\n
When we lit the first purple candle, we asked God to come and be our Good Shepherd. God our Shepherd has come in Jesus Christ!<\/p>\n
When we lit the second purple candle, we asked God to come and forgive our sins. God has come in Jesus Christ to take our sins and die upon the cross so that we might be forgiven!<\/p>\n
When we lit the third, pink candle, we felt joyful even in our longing for Christ to come. Christ, who has been born in a manger, will come again in glory to wipe away every tear from our eyes!<\/p>\n
When we lit the fourth candle, we remembered that Christ would come as a son \u2013 the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the Son of God! This Son has been born! He is Immanuel \u2013 God with us!<\/p>\n
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus who forgives our sins, Jesus who will come again, Jesus the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the very Son of God!<\/p>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light the center candle today, may we celebrate with full joy the birth of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen!<\/p>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Micah 5:1-5<\/p>\n
God promises through the prophet Micah that his future rule will come from Bethlehem, even though this town is, indeed, a \u201clittle town\u201d and quite insignificant.<\/p>\n
Luke 2:1-20<\/p>\n
Jesus the Messiah is born in Bethlehem!<\/p>\n
Psalm 145<\/p>\n
Let us join the psalmist in offering praise to God for his mighty works!<\/p>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
[As someone lights the center, white candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n
We light this candle with great joy and celebration, because Christ is born in Bethlehem. God\u2019s Son has come into the world to be our Savior! And he will come again in glory.<\/p>\n
Prayer of Joy and Adoration<\/h3>\n
Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice in the birth of your Son. May we worship him, welcome him, and make room for him in our hearts. O come, let us adore him! Amen!<\/p>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
O come let us adore him,
\nO come let us adore him,
\nO come let us adore him,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts<\/span><\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2011 by Mark D. Roberts and Patheos.com<\/p>\n Note: You may download this resource at no cost, for personal use or for use in a Christian ministry, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you acknowledge the source of this material: http:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/markdroberts\/<\/a>. \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us prepare for the coming, or \u201cadvent\u201d of the Christ child at Christmas. (The word \u201cadvent\u201d comes from the Latin word that means \u201ccoming.\u201d)<\/p>\n For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ. By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ\u2019s birth and become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives.<\/p>\n There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus the Christ and is often called the Christ Candle). I have been in churches where the candles point to peace, hope, joy, and love. In other settings they are identified with key figures in the stories of the birth of Jesus, such as the shepherds, the angels, Joseph, and Mary. I have used the main theme of waiting to give structure and meaning to the Advent candles, with each candle focused on different aspects of our waiting.<\/p>\n Advent wreaths employ candles with a variety of colors. Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple or blue candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle. I share an understanding of the Advent wreath with many Christians for whom the purple candles remind us of how serious and solemn God\u2019s people have been in waiting for the Messiah. The pink signifies the joy of our waiting. The white is triumphant and celebrative because Christ is born. (If you prefer blue candles, that\u2019s fine. When I say,<\/ins> \u201cLight a purple candle,\u201d you can translate that into \u201cblue candle.\u201d<\/p>\n What follows is a guide for personal, family, or corporate worship that can accompany the lighting of the candles of the Advent wreath. You can do this on your own with a real Advent wreath. Or you can use this guide with your family, which might certainly include close friends. All families are different, and I encourage you to adapt or to change what I suggested here . . . or do something completely original. Parents will want to make changes to fit the developmental stages of their children.<\/p>\n Speaking of children, they have great expectations and hopes during Advent \u2013 usually associated with Christmas presents, Santa Claus, holiday celebrations, and so forth. Rather than discouraging these hopes (which is a \u201chopeless\u201d task!), I would urge parents to help their children get the \u201cfeel\u201d of Advent by relating their hopes to biblical Advent themes.<\/p>\n The First Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n [Note: Someone can read or paraphrase the following. Or you might want to discuss the meaning of Advent together.]<\/p>\n Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit\u201d. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n \u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves get ready for the birth of Jesus. The candles have different meanings, each based upon the Bible. These meanings help us understand how special the birth of Jesus is for us.<\/p>\n Today we focus on the coming of Christ as our Shepherd.<\/p>\n [This prayer can be read, or simply used as a model.]<\/p>\n Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n [Parents, you may wish to abbreviate or eliminate certain readings depending on the age(s) of your child(ren). You may also want to read these selections out of a Children\u2019s Bible.]<\/p>\n Psalm 80:1-7<\/p>\n In this Psalm, we join the people of Israel as they invite God their Shepherd to save and to restore them.<\/p>\n Isaiah 40:1-11<\/p>\n This passage looks ahead to the coming of the Lord, who will care for his people like a shepherd.<\/p>\n Revelation 7:9-17<\/p>\n Like God\u2019s people before the coming of Christ, we also look ahead to the time when Christ, who is both the Lamb and our Shepherd, will finish his work and \u201cGod will wipe away every tear\u201d from our eyes.<\/p>\n [As someone lights the first purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we also look forward with hope to the coming of the Shepherd. The purple color of the candle reminds us of the seriousness of our hope.<\/p>\n [To be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n Dear God, as we light this candle, we hope for your coming as our Good Shepherd. Please gather us in your arms, feed us with spiritual food, wipe away every tear from our eyes, and \u201clet your face shine, that we may be saved\u201d. Come, our Shepherd! Amen.<\/p>\n [To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n O come to us, our Shepherd, The Second Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n [Re-light the first purple candle.<\/ins>]<\/p>\n Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit<\/ins>.\u201d In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n \u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. Last week we lit a candle that signified our waiting for God our Shepherd.<\/p>\n Today we focus on the coming of Christ who brings forgiveness from our sins.<\/p>\n Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n Psalm 130:1-8<\/p>\n In this psalm, <\/ins>we join the psalmist in crying out for God\u2019s forgiveness.<\/p>\n Jeremiah 31:31-34<\/p>\n God promises to make a new covenant with us, in which our sins will be forgiven and forgotten.<\/p>\n Luke 1:68-79<\/p>\n When an angel appears to Zechariah in the temple and tells him that his wife will give birth to a son, the old man doesn\u2019t believe the angel. As a result, Zechariah is unable to speak for many months, until immediately after the birth of his son John (the Baptist). Right after the birth, Zechariah is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks the prophecy that we will read.<\/p>\n [As someone lights the second purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we also need a Savior who will forgive our sins. The purple color reminds us of the seriousness of our sin and our great need for God\u2019s forgiveness.<\/p>\n Dear God, as we light this candle, we recognize our sin and our need for a savior. We wait for your forgiveness in Christ. We long to be purified so that we might present ourselves to you in righteousness. Come, Our Savior! Amen!<\/p>\n [To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n O come to us, forgive us, The Third Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n [Re-light the first two purple candles]<\/p>\n Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit\u201d. In the Christian season of Advent we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n \u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit two candles. The first helped us to hope for God our Shepherd; with the second we asked God to come and forgive our sins.<\/p>\n Today we remember the joy of waiting, because we know how the story ends!<\/p>\n Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n Psalm 126:1-6<\/p>\n This psalm celebrates God\u2019s restoration of Israel \u2014 and it cries out to God for future restoration.<\/p>\n Zephaniah 3:14-20<\/p>\n Through the prophet Zephaniah God looks ahead to the time when he will renew and heal his people. It will be a day of great rejoicing, both for them and for God!<\/p>\n Philippians 4:4-7<\/p>\n We also rejoice in the Lord, in part because we know that \u201cthe Lord is near.\u201d This means, not only that God is with us right now, but that Christ is coming soon.<\/p>\n [As someone lights the pink candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n We light this candle because, like God\u2019s people centuries ago, we know that God has come in Christ and that Christ will come again. We rejoice in God\u2019s work in history and in the future. The pink color means joy!<\/p>\n Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice. We know how the first act of the story ended \u2013 with the birth of Jesus the Messiah. And we know that he will come again in glory. So even though the story isn\u2019t over, we rejoice in our hope. We wait for you, rejoicing! Amen!<\/p>\n [To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n We wait for you, rejoicing, The Fourth Sunday of Advent (or thereabouts)<\/p>\n [Re-light two purple candles and the pink candle.]<\/p>\n Advent is a word that means \u201ccoming\u201d or \u201cvisit.\u201d <\/ins> \u2022 We remember Israel\u2019s hope for the coming of God\u2019s Messiah to save, to forgive, and to restore.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.<\/p>\n \u2022 We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.<\/p>\n \u2022 We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.<\/p>\n By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves to get ready for the birth of Jesus. So far we have lit three candles. The first reminded us to wait for God our Shepherd. With the second we asked the Lord to come and forgive our sins. The third, pink, candle signified our joy as we wait.<\/p>\n Today we focus on the coming of the Son \u2013 the son of Mary, the Son of God!<\/p>\n Dear God, thank you for this season of Advent that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As we read the Bible and light a candle, may excitement for Christ\u2019s coming burn in our hearts. Amen.<\/p>\n Psalm 89:1-4, 19-37, 46-52<\/p>\n This psalm celebrates God\u2019s covenant with David and with the descendants of David. He even calls God \u201cmy Father\u201d (vs. 26). But the psalmist composed this psalm at a time when God\u2019s blessing upon Israel seemed very far away. He calls upon the Lord to remember his covenant to David.<\/p>\n Isaiah 9:1-7<\/p>\n Deliverance will come for God\u2019s people through the \u201cson\u201d who is given to them. He will sit on the throne of David and his kingdom will last forever.<\/p>\n Luke 1:26-38<\/p>\n The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is pregnant and will give birth to a son. Her son will also be \u201cthe Son of the Most High\u201d and will sit on the throne of David. He will be the reigning Son of David and the divine Son of God!<\/p>\n [As someone lights the final purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n We light this candle because we look forward with eagerness to the birth of a child, the son of Mary and the Son of God! The purple color reminds us of how serious we are in looking forward to the Son\u2019s birth.<\/p>\n Dear God, as we light this candle, we look ahead with hope to the birth of your Son \u2014 the Son of David, the son of Mary. May we be prepared to welcome him with open arms and open hearts. O come now, Son of David! Amen!<\/p>\n [To be sung to the tune of \u201cO come let us adore him\u201d from \u201cO Come All Ye Faithful.\u201d]<\/p>\n O come now, Son of David, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day<\/p>\n [Re-light the three purple candles and the pink candle]<\/p>\n In the season of Advent we have used the Advent wreath and its candles to help us get ready for this great celebration of the birth of Christ.<\/p>\n When we lit the first purple candle, we asked God to come and be our Good Shepherd. God our Shepherd has come in Jesus Christ!<\/p>\n When we lit the second purple candle, we asked God to come and forgive our sins. God has come in Jesus Christ to take our sins and die upon the cross so that we might be forgiven!<\/p>\n When we lit the third, pink candle, we felt joyful even in our longing for Christ to come. Christ, who has been born in a manger, will come again in glory to wipe away every tear from our eyes!<\/p>\n When we lit the fourth candle, we remembered that Christ would come as a son \u2013 the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the Son of God! This Son has been born! He is Immanuel \u2013 God with us!<\/p>\n Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus who forgives our sins, Jesus who will come again, Jesus the son of Mary, the Son of David, and the very Son of God!<\/p>\n Dear God, as we light the center candle today, may we celebrate with full joy the birth of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen!<\/p>\n Micah 5:1-5<\/p>\n God promises through the prophet Micah that his future rule will come from Bethlehem, even though this town is, indeed, a \u201clittle town\u201d and quite insignificant.<\/p>\n Luke 2:1-20<\/p>\n Jesus the Messiah is born in Bethlehem!<\/p>\n Psalm 145<\/p>\n Let us join the psalmist in offering praise to God for his mighty works!<\/p>\n [As someone lights the center, white candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]<\/p>\n We light this candle with great joy and celebration, because Christ is born in Bethlehem. God\u2019s Son has come into the world to be our Savior! And he will come again in glory.<\/p>\n Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice in the birth of your Son. May we worship him, welcome him, and make room for him in our hearts. O come, let us adore him! Amen!<\/p>\n O come let us adore him, \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nFor all other uses, please contact me at mark@markdroberts.com<\/a>. Thank you.<\/p>\nIntroduction<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Lighting of the First Candle: Waiting for the Shepherd<\/span><\/h2>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
\nO come to us, our Shepherd,
\nO come to us, our Shepherd,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\nThe Lighting of the Second Candle: Waiting for Forgiveness<\/span><\/h2>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
\nO come to us, forgive us,
\nO come to us, forgive us,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\nThe Lighting of the Third Candle: Waiting with Joy<\/span><\/h2>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
\nWe wait for you, rejoicing,
\nWe wait for you, rejoicing,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\nThe Lighting of the Fourth Candle: Waiting for the Son<\/span><\/h2>\n
We Remember the Meaning of Advent<\/h3>\n
<\/del>In the Christian season of Advent,<\/ins> we prepare for the \u201cadvent\u201d of Christ at Christmas. Our preparation includes many things:<\/p>\nPrayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
Prayer of Hope<\/h3>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
\nO come now, Son of David,
\nO come now, Son of David,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\nThe Lighting of the Christ Candle: Our Waiting is Over!<\/span><\/h2>\n
We Celebrate the Birth of Christ<\/h3>\n
Prayer for God\u2019s Help<\/h3>\n
Scripture Readings<\/h3>\n
Lighting of the Candle<\/h3>\n
Prayer of Joy and Adoration<\/h3>\n
Closing Song<\/h3>\n
\nO come let us adore him,
\nO come let us adore him,
\nChrist the Lord!<\/p>\n