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advent candles: creation

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Jesus was born into a world which, on an elemental level, was much like our own. He felt the earth beneath his feet, the sun on his face, the wind on the water, and the rain falling to nourish the soil. The lakes, seas, sun, wind, moon, and stars were all part of his life. He looked up and saw the glory of the night sky just as we do. He gave thanks for trees and growing things, just as we do. 

In this season of gifts and giving, we recognize the deep blessing of the world around us. With gratitude, we anticipate the birth of Jesus – the One who came to show us the way of hope, peace, joy, and love.  

Advent 1 – Sky

Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:3)

In the sun, in the stars, in the light of the moon…we see the glory of our God. Soon, the One we call the Light of the World, will be born again in our hearts, minds, and spirits.

Candle is lit

Wondrous, Holy God, today we begin our time of Advent waiting. We pray, shine the light of your love upon us, and fill us with hope as we make our way toward the stable, the cradle, and the birth that changed everything…the birth of Jesus. Amen.

Sung response

 

Advent 2 – Wind

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)

We often associate the Holy Spirit with the wildness and unpredictability of wind. May the breath of the Spirit bring us energy and creativity as we continue on our Advent journey toward Bethlehem.

Candle is lit.

Spirit of God, Energy of Life, hear our prayer as we continue our Advent journey together. Wherever you lead us, wherever you need us, give us the faith to trust your guidance…as Mary did, as Joseph did, as the Wise Ones did. Amen.

Sung response

Advent 3 – Earth

“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” (Psalm 96: 12)

By the grace of God, and the wonder of the natural world, the earth provides. As Mary and Joseph made their way to Bethlehem for the census, they had food to sustain them – bread made from grain grown in good soil. There was hay for the stable, and grass for the animals to eat while the shepherds watched over them. The goodness of God’s creation celebrates with us on our Advent journey.

Candle is lit

Creator God, we see your grace and goodness in the world around us. In trees, and fields, and the beauty of creation, we find deep joy. Bless us on our Advent way as we await the birth of Jesus. Amen.

Sung response

Advent 4 – Water

“But let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!” (Amos 5:24)

Before his birth, Jesus swam in the life-giving waters of Mary’s womb. He was baptized in the River Jordan and called his first disciples as they repaired their fishing nets by the lakeshore. When he needed respite, Jesus went to the water for rest and healing. Water, for Jesus, and for all of us, is life. As we come to the final days of our Advent journey, may we be filled with the hope, joy, peace, and love of Jesus.

Candle is lit

Gracious God, giver of life, as we journey to Bethlehem and the manger, we are thankful for the blessing of this season. For all the blessings around us, for the wonder of creation, and for the gift of Jesus – Emmanuel, God with us – our spirits soar with praise and thanksgiving. Amen.

Sung response

 

submitted by Rev. Susan Ivany, Westminster United Church, Thunder Bay, Ontario

Confession: swallowed up

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Call to Confession
God saves us despite us being unworthy of that salvation.
In response to that grace, let us confess the ways we have fallen short.

Confession (Responsive)
God of Endless Mercy,
we have often been swallowed up by our our greed and selfishness,
desiring that which we do not have, filling our lives with things that do not save us.
We have often been swept away by the floods of our own making,
polluting your creation, neglecting to be faithful stewards of the earth.
We have often attacked one another and led lives of violence,
sending missiles instead of accepting refugees, ignoring your commandments.
Lord have mercy, for we have sinned and fallen short of your glory.
Christ have mercy, for we are broken and need your salvation.
Lord have mercy upon us and hear us as we pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
Friends, our help is in the name of the Lord
who has heard our plea and answered our confession with absolution.
In Christ’s name, I announce to you that our sins are forgiven!
Alleluia! Amen.

 

Submitted by Rev. Stephen M. Fearing, Beaumont Presbyterian Church, Lexington, KY

Prayer: voices of creation

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God of Creation,
all of the world proclaims your praise,
from the highest heavens to the deepest recesses of the sea.
Make our voices true and faithful
as we join the voices of all of creation to sing your praise. Amen.

 

Submitted by Stephen M. Fearing, Beaumont Presbyterian Church, Lexington, KY

Confession: bow in the clouds

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Covenant-making God, you declare your compassion for all your creation.
You promised to care for every creature,
and placed your bow in the clouds as a reminder of that promise.
We confess that we are prone to limiting your promise to humanity….
or, rather, to us.
Forgive us when we narrow your grace,
thinking that creation is for our use and we are free to exploit and destroy.
Remind us that we are made in your image,
and called to love as you love…down to the smallest creature.
Guide our eyes to see the rainbow,
sign of your promise that violence shall not have the last word,
and help us to follow you more faithfully.
We pray in the name of the One who was obedient to your non-violent will,
even to the cross and beyond to the empty tomb, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

(A block with a rainbow may be placed on/near the table or other space designated for symbols of the season)

 

Submitted by Rev. Teri Peterson

Other liturgy for this series following the Old Testament readings for Lent B may be found here.

Earth Care affirmation

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We believe that somehow, God breathed life into the world and declared that it is all good– from the egrets winging their way over Eagan’s creek, and the creek itself – to the manatees meandering through the marina, and the inter-coastal itself**. We believe that God expects us to both enjoy and oversee this creation – to use it wisely, for our benefit and for that of our neighbor and to ensure that it will continue to reflect God’s creativity for generations to come. We believe that through Christ, all things are redeemed and will be made new – our own sinful selves as well as the world around us. We believe that every blade of grass and every drop of rain are miracles that testify to the work of the Holy Spirit. By living responsibly, we express our gratitude for the blessings of nature, in which we live, work, play and worship. Thanks be to God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

 

(**substitute your local environmental features)

 

Submitted by Jerie Lukefahr