Monday, November 11, 2013

Advent Candle Readings 2013

Advent One

Pastor:                 Isaiah 2:3            Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Family:                  Hope is the theme of the First Sunday in Advent. Hope reminds us that our future is in God’s safe hands and that His promises will always be fulfilled. He teaches us His ways through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lighting of First Advent candle.

Family:                  We are blessed by Christ’s Birth and redeemed through His Resurrection.
All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.


Advent Two

Pastor:                 Isaiah 11:6-7      The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.

Family:                  Peace is the theme of the Second Sunday in Advent. Peace is what we all long for in our lives and the scriptures tell us of a wonderful day when all of nature will be at peace forever. Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and we welcome His sacred presence in the world.

Lighting of Two Advent candles

Family:                  May Christ’s peace descend upon our hearts and souls during this time of praise.
All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.


Advent Three

Pastor:                 Isaiah 35:1-2                      The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.

Family:                  Joy is the theme of the Third Sunday in Advent. Joy refreshes our spirits in times of trouble and emptiness. Jesus Christ is the everlasting joy of our loving hearts. We look forward to that glorious day when He will return among us, so that the whole Earth may rejoice with Him forevermore.

Lighting of Three Advent Candles, which includes the Pink Joy candle.

Family:                  May the joy of Christ be present in our lives as we worship Him as our King.
All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.


Advent Four

Pastor:                 Isaiah 7:14          Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Family:                  Love is the theme of the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Love is what we all seek from our families and friends. The scriptures tell us that God is love, and that He loved the world so much, He allowed His Son Jesus to come among us. Love is at the heart of our faith and will continue beyond our mortal lives, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lighting of Four Advent Candles, including the Pink Joy Candle.

Family:                  May the love of God be experienced by all in our worship today.
All:                         Glory be to God on high! Amen.


Christmas Eve

Pastor:                 Isaiah 9:6-7        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.

Family:                  On this holy night, Christ will be born among us and our spirits will be at one with Him. He came into the world to offer us salvation. He will return again and meet us face-to-face, when we, as Christian believers, will be restored to God’s favor forevermore.

Lighting of all four candles, plus the white Christ candle in the center.

Family:                  May we all know the blessing of Christ in our hearts and homes this night. May His blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love be with us and all our loved ones, both near and far.


All:         Glory be to God on high and on Earth, peace and goodwill to everyone. Amen.

No comments: