Hope,Peace,Joy,Love,Christ: AnAdventWreathLiturgy
Introduction
TodaywelightthefirstcandleoftheAdventwreath. Eachcandlehasameaning. ThisfirstcandleisHOPE. Abluecandleislit.
Scripture: Psalm33:20 WewaitinhopefortheLORD;heisour helpandourshield.
Prayer: EternalGod,asweawaitthecomingofoursavior,giveus thecouragetohope.Giveusgracetoseeyourplansof redemptionforourlives,forthiscommunity,andforthe world.ThroughJesusChrist,thesourceofour redemptionandhope.Amen.
Introduction
TodaywelightthefirstandsecondcandlesoftheAdvent wreath.Eachcandlehasameaning.Thefirstcandleis HOPE,thesecondcandleisPEACE.
Twobluecandlesarelit.
Scripture: Colossians3:15 LetthepeaceofChristruleinyour hearts,sinceasmembersofonebodyyouwerecalledto peace.
Prayer: AlmightyGod,youofferrestforourhearts,andpeacefor oursouls.Giveusgracetoseekpeaceinourlives,peacein thiscommunity,andpeaceintheworld.ThroughJesus Christ,theprinceofpeace.Amen.
(Continuedonnextpage)
Advent1 Advent2
Introduction
Todaywelightthefirst,second,andthirdcandlesoftheAdventwreath.Eachcandle hasameaning.ThefirstcandleisHOPE,thesecondcandleisPEACE,andthethird candleisJOY.”
Twoblueandonepinkcandlesarelit.
Scripture
Isaiah55:12 Youwillgooutinjoyandbeledforthinpeace;themountainsandhills willburstintosongbeforeyou,andallthetreesofthefieldwillclaptheirhands.
Prayer
GraciousGod,youcametousinhumanfleshandyouabidewithusintheHoly Spirit.Filluswithyourjoy,andhelpusshineasalighttotheworld.ThroughJesus Christ,whomakesourjoycomplete.Amen.
Introduction
Todaywelightthefirst,second,third,andfourthcandlesoftheAdventwreath. Eachcandlehasameaning.ThefirstcandleisHOPE,thesecondcandleisPEACE, thethirdcandleisJOY,andthefourthcandleisLOVE.
Threeblueand1pinkcandlesarelit.
Scripture
John13:34 Jesussaidtothem,Igiveyouanewcommandment,thatyouloveone another.JustasIhavelovedyou,youalsoshouldloveoneanother.Bythiseveryone willknowthatyouaremydisciples,ifyouhaveloveforoneanother.
Prayer
LovingGod,yourmercyandcompassionendureforever.Openourhearts,thatwe mayreceiveyourlove;andfollowingtheexampleofyourSon,spreadthatlovetoa lovestarvedworld.ThroughJesusChrist,wholovedustotheend.Amen.
Introduction
TodaywelightallthecandlesoftheAdventwreath.Eachcandlehasameaning.The firstcandleisHOPE,thesecondcandleisPEACE,thethirdcandleisJOY,andthe fourthcandleisLOVE.ThecentercandleistheChristcandle.”
Thecandlesarelit.
Scripture
Fortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven,andthegovernmentwillbeonhis shoulders.AndhewillbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,Everlasting Father,PrinceofPeace.
Prayer
OGodofhope,peace,joy,andlove.AsMaryandJosephwelcomedyouintothe world,nowhelpuswelcomeyouintoourlives.Giveuscouragetohope;strengthto seekpeace.Fillourspiritswithjoy;andourheartswithlove.ThroughJesusChrist, theLordofall.Amen.”
Advent3 Advent4 Christmas Day Source: TheRev MatthewKozlowski, VirginiaTheologicalSeminary
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ADVENT1
OPENINGPRAYER
Godofhopewhocalmsourfears,webeginthisseasonofpreparationwithexcitementandexpectation. Eventhoughtheworldcanbeastormyplace,wearenotafraidbecausehopeisoursureandsteadfast anchor.Hoperemindsusthatnomatterwhattrialsweface,sunriseandsalvationarejustoverthe horizon.Soweholdhopeasweworshiptoday,celebratingthepromisesyouhavealreadyfulfilledand thefulfillmentofpromisestocome.Callusoutfromourplacesofhidingintothewarmsafetyofyour presence.Amen.
ADVENTCANDLELIGHTING
PersonA:Alongtimeago,theangelGabrielcametoayoungpersoncalledMaryandsaid,“Donotbe afraid…thekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
PersonB:Inahopelessworld,whereviolenceandgreedbreedfearandcowardice,welightthecandleof hopeandechoGabriel’swords,“Donotbeafraid.ThekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
Lightonebluecandle.
ADDITIONALPRAYER
Godwhoprotectsusintimesoftrouble, wearenotafraidbecauseyoupromisethat, intheend,allshallbewell. Andwhenwegrowdiscouragedbysuffering,illness,death,andviolence, werememberyourpromisesandholdhope, justasyouholdusinthepalmofyourhand. Youtoldusthatinthisworldwefacehardthings, butyoupromisedyouwouldneverleaveorabandonus. Wefacethefuturewithconfidenceandtrust.Amen.
OPENINGPRAYER
Godofpeace,whohatesviolenceandwar,wegathertodaytoworshipinpeace,prayforpeace,andmake spaceforpeaceinourcommunity.Webringpeacebecauseyoublesspeacemakers.Webringpeace becauseJesusisthePrinceofPeace.Webringpeacebecauseeventhoughwedisagreeandevenarguewith oneanother,ourheartsareunitedinourloveforyou.Enrichourworshiptodaywiththepeaceofyour presence.Andinyourpresence,wearenotafraid.Amen.
ADVENTCANDLELIGHTING
PersonA:Alongtimeago,theangelGabrielcametoayoungpersoncalledMaryandsaid,“Donotbe afraid…thekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
PersonB:Inahopelessworld,whereviolenceandgreedbreedfearandcowardice,welightthecandleof hopeandechoGabriel’swords,“Donotbeafraid.ThekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
Lightthefirstcandle.
PersonC:Alongtimeago,theprophetIsaiahmadeapromisetoIsraelsaying,“achildhasbeenbornfor us,asongiventous;authorityrestsuponhisshoulders,andheisnamedWonderful Counselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.”
PersonB:Becauseofthewar,fighting,division,andanxietyinourworld,welightacandleforpeaceand thankGodforthepeacewefindinJesus.
Lightthesecondcandle.
ADDITIONALPRAYER
Godwhocomfortsourmindsandheartsintimesofworryandfear,wechoosetobringourconcerns intoyourpeacefulpresence.JustasJesusproclaimedpeacetothewindandthewaves,weproclaimpeace overourminds,ourrelationships,ourcommunity,ourneighbors,andtheworld.Makeuslaborersof peace,partneringwithyoutocreateaworldofjusticeandpeace.Weknowwherethereisnojustice, peacedoesnotprevail.Mayyourpeace,justice,andlovereign.Amen.
ADVENT2
OPENINGPRAYER
JoyfulSpiritwhoinhabitsourpraise,weglorifyyoutodayforallyouhavedone,forallyouaredoing, andforallyoupromisetodo.Whereverwefindourselvesintheexpansebetweengriefandjoy,youmeet ushere,offeringglimpsesoflifeabundant.InthisseasonofAdvent,werememberthegoodnewsof greatjoy,promisedtoancientpeoplesandpromisedtoustoday.Quickenourheartsandmindswiththe joyfulanticipationofthebirthofpurejoyinJesusChrist.Amen.
ADVENTCANDLELIGHTING
PersonA:Alongtimeago,theangelGabrielcametoayoungpersoncalledMaryandsaid,“Donotbe afraid…thekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
PersonB:Inahopelessworld,whereviolenceandgreedbreedfearandcowardice,welightthecandleof hopeandechoGabriel’swords,“Donotbeafraid.ThekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
Lightthefirstbluecandle.
PersonC:Alongtimeago,theprophetIsaiahmadeapromisetoIsraelsaying,“achildhasbeenbornfor us,asongiventous;authorityrestsuponhisshoulders,andheisnamedWonderful Counselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.”
PersonB:Becauseofthewar,fighting,division,andanxietyinourworld,welightacandleforpeaceand thankGodforthepeacewefindinJesus.
Lightthesecondbluecandle.
PersonD:Alongtimeago,ahostofangelsappearedintheskyasshepherdswatchedovertheirsheep. Theysaid,“Donotbeafraid,forsee,Iambringingyougoodnewsofgreatjoyforallthe people:toyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoistheMessiah,theLord.”
PersonB:Theworldcanbeasadandlonelyplace.Welightacandleforjoybecausethegoodnewsof greatjoyishereforustoday.
Lightthepinkcandle.
ADDITIONALPRAYER
Godofgladness, wecelebratethegoodnessofthispreciousAdventday. Wecelebratehoweveninthewaitingandanticipation, weknowthegloriousnewsofChristmasalready. Theangelshavesung,theshepherdshavedanced, thebabyhasbeenborn,yetwewaittoexperiencethejoyfulbirthonceagain. Thankyouforthisreminderthatevenwhenoursoulsaregrieving, thenightsarelong, orweareinpain, thejoyofChristmaswaitsforusinthebackground. Amen.
ADVENT3
OPENINGPRAYER
LovingGod,letworshipbeginingratitudeforyourunconditionallove. Welovebecauseyoufirstlovedus. Lovebeginsandendswithyou. AndaswecelebratetheloveofAdvent, weanticipatethelovemadefleshinJesus. Thisloveisbeyondimagination,beyondlimits, andbeyondtherealmoffearandcontrol. Christianlovebearsallthings,believesallthings, hopesallthings,enduresallthings. ChallengeoursmallunderstandingoflovetodayaswefixoureyesonJesusinworshp
ADVENTCANDLELIGHTING
PersonA:Alongtimeago,theangelGabrielcametoayoungpersoncalledMaryandsaid,“Donotbe afraid…thekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
PersonB:Inahopelessworld,whereviolenceandgreedbreedfearandcowardice,welightthecandleof hopeandechoGabriel’swords,“Donotbeafraid.ThekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
Lightthefirstbluecandle.
PersonC:Alongtimeago,theprophetIsaiahmadeapromisetoIsraelsaying,“achildhasbeenbornfor us,asongiventous;authorityrestsuponhisshoulders,andheisnamedWonderful Counselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.”
PersonB:Becauseofthewar,fighting,division,andanxietyinourworld,welightacandleforpeaceand thankGodforthepeacewefindinJesus.
Lightthesecondbluecandle.
PersonD:Alongtimeago,ahostofangelsappearedintheskyasshepherdswatchedovertheirsheep. Theysaid,“Donotbeafraid,forsee,Iambringingyougoodnewsofgreatjoyforallthe people:toyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoistheMessiah,theLord.”
PersonB:Theworldcanbeasadandlonelyplace.Welightacandleforjoybecausethegoodnewsof greatjoyishereforustoday.
Lightthepinkcandle.
PersonE:Alongtimeago,ayoungmotherwasrestinginatowncalledBethlehem.Shepherds interruptedherrest,exclaimingthegoodnewstheyhadheardfromheavenlymessengers. Mary,“treasuredallthesewordsandponderedtheminherheart.”
PersonB:Strangersintrudedonhersacredspaceofmotherhood,butsheknewsomethingspecialwas happening.Welightacandleforlovebecausewetreasurethemysteryofloveinourhearts.
Lightthethirdbluecandle.
ADVENT4
ADDITIONALPRAYER
LovingMotherandFatherGod,youtendtouslikealovingparent, attentivetoourneeds,empathetictowardourfeelings,andprotectiveofoursafety. Whenothershurt,reject,abandon,ordisappointus,youarefaithful. Yourloveneverhurts,rejects,abandons,ordisappoints.Amen.
CHRISTMASEVEorDAY CANDLELIGHTING
PersonA:Alongtimeago,theangelGabrielcametoayoungpersoncalledMaryandsaid,“Donotbe afraid…thekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
PersonB:Inahopelessworld,whereviolenceandgreedbreedfearandcowardice,welightthecandleof hopeandechoGabriel’swords,“Donotbeafraid.ThekingdomofJesusshallhavenoend.”
Lightthefirstbluecandle.
PersonC:Alongtimeago,theprophetIsaiahmadeapromisetoIsraelsaying,“achildhasbeenbornfor us,asongiventous;authorityrestsuponhisshoulders,andheisnamedWonderful Counselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.”
PersonB:Becauseofthewar,fighting,division,andanxietyinourworld,welightacandleforpeaceand thankGodforthepeacewefindinJesus.
Lightthesecondbluecandle.
PersonD:Alongtimeago,ahostofangelsappearedintheskyasshepherdswatchedovertheirsheep. Theysaid,“Donotbeafraid,forsee,Iambringingyougoodnewsofgreatjoyforallthe people:toyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoistheMessiah,theLord.”
PersonB:Theworldcanbeasadandlonelyplace.Welightacandleforjoybecausethegoodnewsof greatjoyishereforustoday.
Lightthepinkcandle.
PersonE:Alongtimeago,ayoungmotherwasrestinginatowncalledBethlehem.Shepherds interruptedherrest,exclaimingthegoodnewstheyhadheardfromheavenlymessengers. Mary,“treasuredallthesewordsandponderedtheminherheart.”
PersonB:Strangersintrudedonhersacredspaceofmotherhood,butsheknewsomethingspecialwas happening.Welightacandleforlovebecausewetreasurethemysteryofloveinourhearts.
Lightthethirdbluecandle.
PersonF:Alongtimeago,thebabywasborn:Jesus,Immanuel,Messiah,God-with-us.Andtonightwe celebratethismiracleofGod’slove.WeapproachChristmaswithoutfearbecauseinJesus,Godhas madeknowntheabundantloveGodhasforus.
PersonB:WelighttheChristCandlebecauselikeGod’slove,Jesusisthesameyesterday,today,andforever.
LighttheChristcandle.(TheChristCandleisawhitecentercandle.)
((Advent4Continued)
Source:FORMEDBYEXPERIENCE:AJourneyinChristianFormationandDesign
TheseselectionsforeachSundayofAdventcontainthoughtsandideasto inspireourthinkingandprayersduringthisseasonofwaitingandexpectation
AdventI
Thehopesandfearsofallouryearsaremetintheetonight SilentNight IntheIncarnation,Godenterstheworldinhumanformanddwellsinabroke world,inthetimeofJesus,throughouthistory,andtoday.
WhatdidJesusgrieveduringhislifeonearth?
Thinkofwhatscripturetellsus includingwhenJesuswasnotwelcomeinthe synagogue;JohntheBaptizer’sdeath;seeinghungrypeople;themisuseofthe Temple;lawsbeforejustice,mercy,love ofGod.
WhatcausesGodtogrievetoday?
DearLord,ourHeavenlyFather/Mother,
Helpustobeyourservantstothosehungryforpeace,notdivision;people whosesoulscalloutforthesustenanceofjustice,anendtocrimesofviolence andgreed;tothoselongingforanight’ssleepwithoutgnawinghunger,thefear ofstarvation.
Empowerustofeedyoursheep,yourlambs. Helpustobeyourservantsto thosethirstyforwater,unpollutedwater,parchedforunderstanding,living water. Enableustoquenchtheirthirst,toofferthemtheBloodofChrist.
Helpustobeyourservantstothosewholivenextdoor,thehandicapped,the addicted,theoutcasts. Remindustheyareyourfriends,madeinyourimage
Helpustobeyourservantstothosenakedintheirlossbyfire,water, earthquake,hurricane,ortornado;exposedbythemedia;unabletohidetheir emotions.Giveusgracetoclothetheirneeds.
Helpustobeyourservantstothosesickgrownupsandchildren,waitingfor diagnosis,transplants,orcures;peoplesickfromtheworld’sillsand disappointments. BelovedPhysician,healthem,wepray.
Helpustobeyourservantstothoseimprisoned,awaitingsentenceorparole; imprisonedbydebtoranabusiverelationship,lockedinprisonsthathaveno bars. Helpustofreethem,tospeakofyourlove.
Forgiveusourfailures. Mayweseeyouinotherseachdayofourlives. Thiswepray,forChrist’ssake. Amen.
Adapted Women’sUncommonPrayers
Peaceonearthandmercymild Hark,theHeraldAngelsSing Godgivesgenerously.
Likemostcultures,ancientandmodern,weliveinafeastingculture.Think ofthemanyfamilymeals,communityBBQs,churchdinners. Weddings, funerals,birthdaysandmoreinvolvefeastsofsometype.
Mostofushaveneverknownhunger. Haveyoueverprayed,“Giveustoday ourdailybread”atatimewhenyouhadnothingtoeatandnomeansof gettingfoodforyourselfand/oryourfamily?
Manyintheworlddogenuinelyhungerandthirst. Manymorehungerand thirstspiritually.
Themangernowstandsempty.Thisweek,letustaketimetoempty ourselvestobehungryforGod’sgift,tohungerandthirstforrighteousness.
Blessedarethepoor,meek,hungry,weeping. Facetofacewithmyownriches,ashamed,humbled. Why? Whyme? Did youdothisforme,God? Didyoublessmewiththiswealth? Didyougift me? WasIchosen?
Chosenbecauseofmyrighteousness? Chosenbecauseofmyheritage?
Blessed thepoor,meek,hungry,weeping.Chosentoact!
TheRedeemershowsusthewaytotrueblessing,showswhatisimportant toloveGodwithallourhearts,minds,andstrength,andtoliveour neighborsasourselves.Tohungerandthirstforrighteousness.
Adapted-Women’sUncommonPrayers
AdventII
Letheavenandnaturesing JoytotheWorld
God’speoplerespondwithThanksgiving. Weshowourthanksgivingto GodinthewaywerelatetoGodandeachother,locallyandglobally. Inthis ThirdweekofAdvent,letusfindwaystobequiet,toopenourheartsto God,andtorespondtothosearoundusinwaysthatreflectour thanksgivingtoGod.
AlmightyGod,Creatorofthewonderfullycomplexdiversityofhumanity, youmadeusallinyourDivineimageandcommandedustoloveone another.
Reachdownyourdivinehandsothatthewallwillcomedownin Bethlehem,thebirthplaceofyourSon,thePrinceofPeace,andMaythe crumblingwallheraldthefallofallbarriersthatdivideus.
Bindustogethersothatlovegivesrisetoanabundantoftendernessamong allpeople.MayourheartslikeMary’smagnifytheLord,andmaylove showerdownthroughouttheworld,soalldivisionsarescatteredand washedaway. ForGodhaspromisedthatwhatweaskinfaithwillbe grantedthroughJesus’HolyName. Amen.
Adapted
AdventIII
LiftingWomen’sVoices Book Recommendation
Wherecharitystandswatchingandfaithholdswidethedoor O,Little TownofBethlehem
Thanksgivingresultsingenerosity,justice,andinclusion.
JesusdefineshisfamilyasthosewhodothewillofGod. Jesus’community includedtaxcollectors,sinners,andthephysicallyunclean. Hefocusedhis ministryonthosewhohadnothingandwhohadlittletooffer. The marginalizedpeoplealwayshungaroundJesus,andHolyScriptureshows howJesusbroughtthemtothecenter.
Thinkofthis: Jesushadthesoilofhisneighborhoodonhissandals.
YouaretheGodwhomakesextravagantpromises.Werelishyourpromises offidelity,andpresence,andsolidarity,andweexudeinthem.
Onlytofind,alwaystoolate,thatyourpromisealwayscomesinthemidstof ahard,deepcalltoobedience YouaretheGodwhocallspeoplelikeus,and thelonglistofmothersandfathersbeforeus,whotrustedthepromise enoughtokeepthecall.
SowegiveyouthanksthatyouareacallingGod,whocallsalwaysto dangerousnewplaces.Weprayenoughofyourgraceandmercyamongus thatwemaybeamongthosewhobelieveyourpromisesenoughtorespond toyourcall.Weprayintheonewhoembodiedyourpromiseandenacted yourcall,evenJesus.Amen.
WalterBrueggemann AwedtoHeaven,RootedinEarth
Source: TheRev.Dr.BettyL.Creamer GraceandPeaceChapel,LosAngeles
AdventIV
Beginbylightingthecandle(s)andsayingthe“OGraciousLight,”followedbythescripturean prayerfortheweek. Candlesmaybelitnightly,perhapsbeforeaneveningmeal,orweekly. Lightonecandlethefirstweek,twothesecondandsoon;ifyouareusingawhite,centercandle,light itatChristmas.
OgraciousLight, PurebrightnessoftheeverlivingFatherinheaven, OJesusChrist,Holyandblessed! Nowaswecometothesettingofthesun, andoureyesbeholdthevesperlight, wesingyourpraises,OGod:Father,SonandHolySpirit. Youareworthyatalltimestobepraisedbyhappyvoices, OSonofGod,OGiverofLife, andtobeglorifiedthroughalltheworlds.
ADVENT1
Scripture Luke1:5-25orMark13:24-37
Toconclude,youmayofferprayersfor yourselfandothers,thenpraytheLord’s Prayerand/orthefollowing: AlmightyGod,youpouronusthenewlight ofyourincarnateWord:Grantthatthislight, enkindledinourhearts,mayshineforthinour lives;throughJesusChristourLord,who lives andreignswithyou,intheunityoftheHoly Spirit,oneGod,nowandforever.Amen.
Prayer AlmightyGod,giveusgracetocastawaytheworksofdarkness,andputonthearmorof light,nowinthetimeofthismortallifeinwhichyourSonJesusChristcametovisitusingreat humility;thatinthelastday,whenheshallcomeagaininhisgloriousmajestytojudgeboththeliving andthedead,wemayrisetothelifeimmortal;throughhimwholivesandreignswithyouandthe HolySpirit,oneGod,nowandforever.Amen.
ADVENT2
Scripture Luke1:2638
Prayer MercifulGod,whosentyourmessengerstheprophetstopreachrepentanceandpreparethe wayforoursalvation:Giveusgracetoheedtheirwarningsandforsakeoursins,thatwemaygreet withjoythecomingofJesusChristourRedeemer;wholivesandreignswithyouandtheHolySpirit, oneGod,nowandforever.Amen.
ADVENT3
Scripture Luke1:3956
Prayer Stirupyourpower,OLord,andwithgreat might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,behonorandglory,nowandforever.Amen.
ADVENT4
Scripture Luke1:57-80
Prayer Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself;wholivesandreignswithyou,intheunityof theHolySpirit,oneGod,nowandforever.Amen.
CHRISTMASEVE/CHRISTMAS Scripture Luke2:120
Prayer AlmightyGod,youhavepoured uponusthenewlightofyourincarnateWord: Grantthatthislight,enkindledinourhearts, mayshineforthinourlives;throughJesus ChristourLord,wholivesandreignswith you,intheunityoftheHolySpirit,oneGod, nowandforever.Amen.
PrayerscontainedintheBookofCommonPrayer
ASimpleServiceofPrayer&ScriptureReading
ABriefOrderforDailyPrayer withAdventAntiphons
ThehouseholdgathersbyanAdventwreath*(whichisnotyetlit).PickaLeaderandReaderbefore you begin. *Asimplearrangementoffourwhitevotivecandleswithloosegreensworkswell.
Leader:Lightandpeace,inJesusChristourLord.
All: ThanksbetoGod.
Leader:Letuspray.
LordJesusChrist,inyourresurrectionyouappearedastheMorningStarthatknowsnosetting: Dawnuponthedarknessofthehumanheartsothatthedarknessofthisworldmaybeovercomeand yourwholecreationmadenew;forwiththeFatherandtheHolySpirit,youliveandreign,oneGod, foreverandever.Amen.
ThenumberofcandlesisnowlitaccordingtotheweekofAdvent,asthefollowingissaidbyalltogether: Godofhope,whenChristourSaviorappearsmayhenotfindusasleeporidle,butactiveinhisserviceand readyforjoy.Come,OEmmanuel,Youaretheway,thetruthandthelife;Come,livingSavior,cometoyour world,whichwaitsforyou.Amen
Familieswithyoungchildrenmayusethisprayer: DearGod,weloveyou.Wethankyouforlovingus.HelpusgetreadyforJesus.Helpussay“yes”likeMary. Wearewideawake,watchingandwaitingforyoutocomeandhelpustolove.Amen.
ANTIPHON (Foundonfollowingpages.) ReaderreadstheAntiphonfortheDayandallshareresponsestotheReflectionQuestion.
PRAYER
Leader:TheLordbewithyouAll:Andalsowithyou
Leader:Letusprayforourownneedsandtheneedsoftheworld. Allareinvitedtooffertheirprayers,silentlyoraloud.
Leader:Andnow,asourSaviortaughtus,letuspray, OurFatherinheaven, hallowedbeyourName, yourkingdomcome, yourwillbedone, onearthasinheaven. Giveustodayourdailybread. Forgiveusoursins asweforgivethose whosinagainstus. Saveusfromthetimeoftrial, anddeliverusfromevil. Forthekingdom,thepower, andthegloryareyours, nowandforever.Amen.
Leader:TheLordblessusandkeepus.TheLordmakehis facetoshineuponusandbegracioustous.TheLordliftup hiscountenanceuponusandgiveuspeace.
All:Amen.
Leader:LetusblesstheLord.
All:ThanksbetoGod. Putoutthecandle(s).
Source: AnAdventResourcefromBaptizedforLife(BFL)
SUNDAY,NOVEMBER27
"Itistimeforustowakefromoursleep: salvationisnearertousnowthatwhenwe firstbelieved."
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Whatarethepressuresorvoicesor patternsinyourlifethatputyourfaithto sleep?
WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER30
“ChristtheKingiscoming;Lifthigh,O gates,andlettheKingofgloryin!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Howwouldyoudefinetheword“glory?” Wheredoyouseegloryintheworld?
THURSDAY,DECEMBER1
MONDAY,NOVEMBER28
“SeetheNameoftheLordcomesfrom afar;Hissplendorfillsthewholeworld.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
“Wheredoyouseethe“splendor”ofGod intheworld?
“BeholdtheLordthatcomes,andallHis Saintswithhim;andtherewillbeinthat day agreatlight.Alleluia.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Whatdoestheword“saint”meantoyou? Whohasbeenasainttoyouinyourlife?
FRIDAY,DECEMBER2
TUESDAY,NOVEMBER29
“Liftupyoureyes,OJerusalem,andsee thepoweroftheKing. BeholdtheSavior comestolooseyoufromyourchains.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Whataresomeofthepeople,thingsor eventsthatmakeyoufeellikeyouarein chains?
“Behold,theLordshallappearinthe cloudsofheaven,withpowerandgreat glory,tosaveus."
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
FromwhatthingsdoyouimagineGod needstosaveus?
WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER7
“RejoiceandbegladODaughterZion. Behold,Iamcomingtoliveinyour midst.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Whenhaveyouexperiencedtheloving, peacegivingorliberatingpresenceof Jesusinyourlife?
THURSDAY,DECEMBER8
“Zion,youshallberenewedandshallsee yourRighteousOne.Heistheonewho comestoyou.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Whatdoestheword“righteous”meanto you?Inwhatwaysdoyoutrytobe righteous?
FRIDAY,DECEMBER9
“Iwillhelpyou,saystheLord;Iamyour Redeemer,theHolyOneofIsrael.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Whatdoestheword‘Redeemer”meanto you?Canyouthinkofatimewhenyou feltredeemed?Canyouthinkofatime whenyoulongedforredemptionfrom choiceorhabitorpatterninyourlife?
SATURDAY,DECEMBER10
“Behold,thedayiscoming,saysthe Lord,thatIwillraiseuntoDavida righteousBranch.Donotbeafraid.The Kingiscoming,Alleluia!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Areyouafraidofthesamethingsyou wereafraidofasachild?Howhaveyour fearschangedthroughtheyears?
FRIDAY,DECEMBER16
“Letthemountainsbreakforthinto singingandthehillswithrighteousness; fortheLord,theLightoftheworld,is comingwithpower!Alleluia!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Whatcanyourhearthearthatyourears cannot?Howmightyoulistenforthe Lordtoday?
SATURDAY,DECEMBER17
“OWisdomofourGodMostHigh, guidingcreationwithpowerandlove: cometoteachusthepathofknowledge!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Atwhattimeinyourlife,hasGodhad themostofyourattention?Whatdid youlearn?
SUNDAY,DECEMBER18
“OAdonai,LeaderoftheHouseofIsrael, giveroftheLawtoMosesonSinai:come torescueuswithyourmightypower!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION: Whenhaveyoubeenrescued?
MONDAY,DECEMBER19
“ORootofJesse’sstem, signofGod’s loveforallpeople: atwhomKingsshall shuttheirmouths,cometosaveus withoutdelay!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Whenhaveyoubeenleftspeechless?Has anythingatchurchorfromGodleftyou speechless?
TUESDAY,DECEMBER20
“OKeyofDavid, ScepteroftheHouseofIsrael, youopenandnoonecanshut.Youshutandno onecanopen. Comeandbringtheprisonersout ofprison,thosewhositindarknessandthe shadowofdeath.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Haveyoueverknownanyoneinjailorprison?
Haveyouevervisitedanyoneinjailorprison?Is thereanytimeinyourlifethathasfeltlikebeing inprison?
WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER21
“ORadiantDawn, splendorofeternallight,sun ofjustice: comeandshineonthosewhodwellin darknessandinthe shadowofdeath.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Howdoyoufeelwhenyouseeasunrise?
Doyouhaveafavoriteplacewhereyouhaveseen (orwouldliketosee)asunrise?
SATURDAY,DECEMBER24
“OBethlehem,makereadytoreceive Christ;fortheWordmadefleshcomesto dwellinyou,openingEdentoHispeople. Makeready,OManger,tobeholdthedeep mystery;Hewhocannotbecontainedwill becontainedinyou,Alleluia!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
ChristisborninusatourBaptism.Christ choosestobecontainedinyou.Whendo youfeelChristinyou?Whathabitsor practiceshelpyoutoknowandtrustthat Christisinyou?
SUNDAY,DECEMBER25
“Today,Christisborn;todaytheSaviorhas appeared:todaytheangelssingonearth, thearchangelsrejoice;todaytherighteous exaltandshoutforjoy:GlorytoGodinthe highest,Alleluia,Alleluia!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
THURSDAY,DECEMBER22
“OKingofallnationsandkeystoneofthe Church:comeandsavehumankind,whomyou formedofclay.”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
Haveyouevermade,builtordeveloped somethingsignificantfromscratchandfinished it?Whatinspiredyoutocreateit?
Thisantiphonremindsusthatnothingand noonecancontainorcontrolChristinthe world.NopowercanoverpowerHiswill andHislove.OnChristmasDay,isthere anythinginyourheartthatyoudoubt,or actasifyoudoubt,canbetransformedby ChristtheLord?Namethatthingandpray forhelpintrustingChristtotransformit.
FRIDAY,DECEMBER23
“OEmmanuel,ourKingandGiverofLaw: come tosaveus,LordourGod!”
REFLECTIONQUESTION:
‘Emmanuel’means‘Godwithus.’Whenwasthe lasttimeyoufeltthatGodwassurelywithyou? Whenwasthelasttimeyoufeltthatyouwere apartfromGod?
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