Year A – Based on Isaiah Readings
First Sunday in Advent
The days are coming where people from around the world will stream to God’s presence.
People from every part of the earth will travel to learn God’s ways.
Wars between nations will end, disputes will be settled.
Weapons of violence will be turned into farm and garden tools.
Today we light the candle of hope (light one purple candle), for we will not live in dark valleys, but on God’s high mountain.
In hope, we wait for the Light of the World.
Second Sunday in Advent
God speaks of a time when the world will be led by one on whom the Holy Spirit rests.
Wisdom and understanding, planning and strength, knowledge and fear of the Lord—these will guide him.
The world he leads won’t look the same: wolf and lamb living together, leopard and goat napping together, calf and lion cub eating together.
And a little child will lead it all.
Today we light the candle of peace (light two purple candles), for the world God envisions is one free of harm and destruction.
In peace, we wait for our coming King.
Third Sunday in Advent
Our world can be bleak. We can feel unsteady. Grief comes too easily.
But we need not panic, for our God is on his way to save us.
In the Wilderness of our lives, God will make a highway leading us to God’s city.
No one will get lost on this road and happiness will surround us completely.
Today we light the candle of joy (light two purple candles and the pink candle), for we will join in singing as we see God’s majesty.
In joy, we wait for the One who makes all things new.
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Into the world’s tiresome, weary, and impatient ways, God will give us a sign.
A miracle is about to break forth, a sign as deep as the grave and as high as heaven.
A young woman will give birth to a son and name him Immanuel, God with us.
He will learn to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, reject evil and choose good.
Today we light the candle of love (light all but the white candle), for God’s love is soon to be born.
In love, we wait for God-With-Us.
Christmas Eve
Tonight, we who have traveled through the shadows of the world have seen a great light.
Into a never-ending night, dawn has begun to shine.
With authority and power on his shoulders, a son is given to us this night.
He will establish and sustain God’s Kingdom with justice and goodness forever.
Tonight we light the Christ candle (light all the candles), for Jesus has been born to us.
We no longer have to wait because our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace has been born to us. Thanks be to God!
Submitted by Rev. Will Ryan, First Christian Church, Fulton MO
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