Ideas for Content for Building into the Brochure:

 

Your Brochure can list upcoming events for Advent and beyond.

Or you may wish to focus on Scripture and use the brochure as the outline for a Bible study.

Another idea is to outline the lighting of the Advent wreath for use in personal devotions or community worship.

You brochure may contain prayers written by various members of the congregation – wonderful for including many into the creative process and giving them ownership of the produce.

Perhaps even use an “Upper Room” style series containing scripture, meditation, and prayer.

Open yourself up to the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit and create a brochure to inspire your congregation!

Feel free to use any or all of the ideas below – bits and pieces of my own writings as well as others I’ve collected. Let me know if you use them and how people respond.

Blessings,

Rev. LL DuBreuil        

 

˙     ˙     ˙     ˙     ˙     ˙

 

O come, all you faithful, joyful and triumphant people!

Come to hear angels sing and mothers rejoice, See fathers prepare and the world take note.

Come see what God is doing in the person of Jesus the Christ.

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

 

Advent Bible Study: “O Come Let Us Adore Him”

Rev. LL DuBreuil will lead us in a  4-part exploration of how we prepare to receive Christ in our lives by looking at the 4 gospel stories of preparation for the birth of Jesus.

 

If you want to work ahead, here is the outline we will be following:

 

I. Luke: Angels and Expectations

Read Luke 1: 26 - 38 The Annunciation, Gabriel speaks to Mary

Read Luke 1: 39 - 56 Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, The Magnificat

Discussion:

Take a moment and put yourself in Mary’s place.

1. How would you react to the visitation of an angel of God?

2. Would you be able to say “yes” to such a challenge?

The “Magnificat” is one of the great poems in all of literature.

1. How has Mary accepted and grown into her role as a woman called to serve God in this way?

2. Knowing what we do of Jesus, how does this song foreshadow his mission?

How do you prepare for the coming of Christ?

1. Is Advent a time of miracles and wonder for you?

2. Is there a moment in your life when Christ has come to you in a dramatic and life-changing way?

 

II. Mark: A Voice in the Wilderness

Read Luke 1: 5 - 25 & 57 - 80  Zechariah’s vision and the birth of John

Read Mark 1: 8 John the baptizer prepares the people for Jesus

Discussion:

Looking at the passages in Luke:

1. How does the story of John’s birth echo the story of Jesus’ birth according to the writer of Luke?

2. What is foretold about the mission of John?

Looking at the passage in Mark:

1. How does John prepare the people for Jesus?

2. Why do you think the writer of Mark does not include a birth narrative?

How do you prepare for the coming of Christ?

1. Do you feel a great sense of imminence and expectancy during Advent?

2. Is there a moment in your life when Christ’s presence has humbled you?

 

III. Matthew: Dreams of Comfort and Terror

Read Matthew 1: 1 - 17 The genealogy of Jesus

Read Matthew 1: 18 - 25 Joseph’s dream and actions before the birth

Discussion:

Looking at the genealogy:

1. Why do you think the writer of Matthew put this first?

2. Why is this genealogy important?

Take a moment to recall how prophesy is used in the passages from Luke.

1. How is this use of prophecy different?

2. How is it the same?

How do you prepare for the coming of Christ?

1. Have you ever approached Christmas with a sense of dread or uneasiness?

2. Is there a time in your life when you have been asked to act for Christ as a matter of faith, not surety?

 

IV. John: Within the Godhead

Read John 1: 1 - 5 The Word as one in God

Read John 1: 6 - 9 John came to testify to the true light

Read John 1: 10 - 13 Came to own, but not received; those who received given power to become children of God

Read John 1: 14 - Word became flesh God known through Jesus Christ

Discussion:

Multiplicity within the Godhead is a difficult concept to discuss.

1. Is this a “birth” narrative?

2. In what way does the concept of the “Word” seem similar to the concept of the “Trinity”?

Considering the life of Jesus:

1. How is the discussion of John similar to the story in Mark?

2. What events in the life of Jesus are alluded to?

Theologically examining the final verses:

1. What is being said about “Incarnation” and “Grace” ?

2. In your own relationship with God, are there times when the humanness of Jesus or the divinity of Christ become more or less important to you?

 

 

Samples of Advent Wreath Lighting Liturgies

 

Advent Wreath Lighting for Worship

according to the Lectionary Year

by Rev. LL DuBreuil

 

Advent Wreath Lighting – Year A – 2001

These litanies combine the Lectionary Gospel readings and the themes for the Bible studies. The anticipation is that there will be 3 participants each week. If there are fewer, one reader may read several parts. If there are more, one part may be subdivided or someone may remain silent and tend to lighting the candle.     LLD

 

1st Sunday in Advent: December 2, 2001

Theme: Watchfulness

Key Scriptures:

§        Matthew 24: 36 – 44 Coming of the Son of Man, keep awake, thief in night – unexpected (but prepared)

§        Luke 1: 39 – 56 The Annunciation

Litany:

1st Leader: A reading from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 24, verses 36 and 44: “. . .about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. . . Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”

2nd Leader: We look at the calendar, and we know when Christmas is coming. We look in the stores, and we see signs that Christmas preparations are underway. But when we look in our hearts, are we ever truly ready for the coming of Christ?

3rd Leader: Let us pray: Lord God, enter fully into our hearts and lives this Advent season. As we prepare to celebrate the glorious birth of our savior, let us also be truly prepared to welcome Christ into our everyday experiences. Give us strength to be at all times open to your presence.    Amen.

1st Leader: We will now light the first candle on our Advent Wreath – the candle of WATCHFULNESS. (One Leader lights candle.)

 

2nd Sunday in Advent: December 9, 2001

Theme: Repentance

Key Scriptures:

§        Matthew 3: 1 – 12 John in wilderness – Repent! (Isaiah: Prepare the way of the Lord), baptizing with water, one more powerful coming –will baptize with fire

§        Luke 1: 10 – 14, 16 – 17 Angel to Zechariah – son, name him John, will turn people to Lord, prepare for Lord

Mark: 1: 7 – 8 John proclaims – one coming after me

Litany:

1st Leader: A reading from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 1, verses 1 and 2: “In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’”

2nd Leader: Advent is a season of new beginnings. We are free to confess our sins to a loving God; and, by repenting our misdeeds and missed deeds, our God cleanses us and makes us as newly born. We prepare for the newborn Jesus by accepting the water to cleanse us and the fire to purge us of all that comes between us and our Emmanuel.

3rd Leader: Let us pray. Lord Jesus, come to us this day. Show us the errors of our ways. Pour over us the water and into us the fire. We long to be made pure and open to your coming. Grant us the healing power of your presence.  Amen.

1st Leader: We will now light the second candle on our Advent Wreath – the candle of REPENTANCE. (One Leader lights candle.)

 

 

3rd Sunday in Advent: December 16, 2001

Theme: Experience

Key Scriptures:

§        Matthew 11: 2 – 11 Tell John (in prison) what you see and hear: blind/sight, etc., Jesus about John – prophet messenger, kingdom

§        Luke 2: 8 – 20 Angels to Shepherds, experience and share

Litany:

1st Leader: A reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 11, verse 5: “ . . . the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.”

2nd Leader: Do we at times doubt the impact of Christ’s presence in our lives? God’s gift to us is without equal. When we truly understand what God is doing in the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus, our lives are profoundly changed!

3rd Leader: Let us pray. Glorious Lord of all, we long to be engulfed in the joy and excitement of the coming of Christ. Let us feel the stirring of your presence, and give us strength to share that excitement with the world. Open our eyes and ears to the good news, and let our lives be testimonies your presence.  Amen.

1st Leader: We will now light the third candle on our Advent Wreath – the candle of EXPERIENCE. This candle is of a different color. This candle signifies not only a change within us, but also a charge to carry the light of Christ into the world. (One Leader lights candle – the one that is of a different color.)

 

4th Sunday in Advent: December 23, 2001

Theme: Faithfulness

Key Scriptures:

§        Matthew 1: 18 – 25 Mary & Joseph engaged, Mary with Child, Joseph unwilling to expose, angel in dream, child = Emmanuel, son born = Jesus

§        John 1: 1 – 5, 14 Beginning was Word, with God, through eternity

Litany:

1st Leader: A reading from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1, verse 23: “’Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’”

2nd Leader: From the time we take our first breath, God is with us. Through times of sinfulness and times of right relationship, God is with us. At one time, God became a living man to be with us in our humanity. We know that God is with us to the end of the ages, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer.

3rd Leader: Let us pray. Ever-present God, we are humbly grateful for the gift of your son, Jesus, our Christ. Let the Word that is immortal be heard in what we do and say. As you are ever one, ever our God, – so let us be your faithful, faith-filled people.  Amen.

1st Leader: We will now light the fourth candle on our Advent Wreath – the candle of FAITHFULNESS. (One Leader lights candle.)

 

Christmas Eve: December 24, 2001

Theme: Celebration!

Readings and music will alternate. Included will be the lighting of the Christ Candle and sending the light out into the world.

 

Advent Wreath Lighting – Year B – 2002

Introduction to Litanies:

Each Sunday of advent, we will light one of four candles. The first and second week, we will light purple candles. The third week, we will light a pink candle. The fourth Sunday, the final purple candle will be lit. Finally, on Christmas Eve, we will light the center, white candle, also called the Christ candle.

 

As we light each candle, we will look at the other symbols of the wreath and reflect on scripture in prayer. The first 3 weeks, our Confirmands and their teachers will light the candles. On the final Sunday, parents will join the students in the lighting. There are parts for up to 6 people: Introduction, Looking at the Wreath, Reading from Scripture, Lighting Candle, Prayer, and Introduction of Hymn. Or parts can be combined if fewer participate.

 

Week 1:  (based on ideas from Fr. Francis J. Weiser, S.J.)

1. Each week of Advent, we will be reflecting on how the Advent Wreath shows us an aspect of God and how scripture teaches us a truth of God. This is the first Sunday of Advent. We will look at the Shape of the Wreath

 

2. The circular shape of the wreath reminds us of the fact that God is eternal. God had no beginning and will have no end. God always was and always will be.

 

3. A reading from the opening of the Gospel of John:

In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God.

 

4. As we light the first candle on our wreath, let us meditate on our God who is eternal.

 

5. (Light first candle.)

 

6. Let us pray:

Eternal God, we know that you are ever present in our lives. As we prepare to celebrate the gift of the life of Jesus, help us to also celebrate your love for us, which is and was and is to come. Amen.

 

Suggested Hymn: “Joy to the World” (27, W&SH; 40 HP&SS – all 4 same)

 

Week 2: 

1. Each week of Advent, we will be reflecting on how the Advent Wreath shows us an aspect of God and how scripture teaches us a truth of God. This is the second Sunday of Advent. We will look at the Color of the Wreath.

 

2. The boughs of the fir tree are always green in every season of the year. These evergreen boughs which form the wreath remind us that the love of God is unchanging even as the fir tree is ever green.

 

3. In Mary’s song of praise, we hear these words as written in the second chapter of the gospel of Luke:

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior . . . God’s mercy is for those who fear God from generation to generation.

 

4. As we light the second candle on our wreath, let us meditate on our God whose love never changes.

 

5. (Light second candle.)

 

6. Let us pray:

God of Love, we hear in our scriptures that you have loved and nurtured your people from generation to generation. As we open our hearts to welcome your son, we thank you for your unchanging love for us. Amen.

 

Suggested Hymn: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” (35, W&SH; 38 HP&SS – all 4 same)

 

Week 3:

1. Each week of Advent, we will be reflecting on how the Advent Wreath shows us an aspect of God and how scripture teaches us a truth of God. This is the third Sunday of Advent. We will look at the colors of the candles on the Wreath

 

2. The colors of the candles on our wreath have special meanings. Purple symbolizes a time of preparation. Pink symbolizes pending joy. White symbolizes the purity of God’s gift.

 

3. A reading from the second chapter of the gospel of Luke:

The shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

 

4. As we light the third candle on our wreath, let us meditate on our God who came to live among us.

 

5. (Light third, pink candle.)

 

6. Let us pray:

God of grace, we see the beauty of you all around us. Let us prepare ourselves for witnessing the beauty and the joy of this season, as we welcome the presence of Christ in our lives. Amen.

 

Suggested Hymn: Angels from the Realms of Glory  (31, W&SH; 22, HP&SS - 1, 2, 3 same)

 

Week 4:

1. Each week of Advent, we will be reflecting on how the Advent Wreath shows us an aspect of God and how scripture teaches us a truth of God. This is the fourth Sunday of Advent. We will look at the Flames of the Candles.

 

2. The soft glow of each of the candle flames reminds us of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As each candle is lit during the consecutive weeks, the candle light becomes ever brighter as Christmas approaches and the Lord is near . . . Emmanuel, God with us.

 

3. A reading from the eighth chapter of the gospel of John:

Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

 

4. As we light the third candle on our wreath, let us meditate on our God who came to live among us.

 

5. (Light fourth candle.)

 

6. Let us pray:

Holy God, we seek to follow your ways. In this season and in the years to come, let our lives reflect the light of Christ in this world. Amen.

 

Suggested Hymn: “There’s a Song in the Air” (37, W&SH) “What Child Is This?” (53, HP&SS)

 

Christmas Eve:

The candle arrangement, with the white, Christ candle in the center

The ring of candles echoes the Christian community. At the heart of our community is Christ, and the Christ candle is in the center or our wreath.

On this night, each candle is relit and each message recalled. The litany will be part of the service of scripture and song.

 

Advent Wreath Lighting – Year B – 2002

“Movement from Expectation to Manifestation”

How We Prepare:

            Light in a sanctuary is the symbol of the presence of God. During Advent this year, we will light a candle as we seek glimpses of God’s active presence in scripture, in history, and in our lives.

            Each Sunday we will seek to better understand God’s manifestation on earth as Jesus of Nazareth, Christ, Emanuel, God with us. We will light a candle on the Advent Wreath each Sunday and on Christmas Eve. The themes will be: Signs (an apocalypse expected, light given to reach out for light), Prophesy (a conqueror expected, light given to illuminate wrongs), Proclamation (a washing expected, light given to enflame and give power within), Recognition (a revolution expected, light given to spark a change of heart), and Manifestation (terror expected, a light given to kindle joy).

            The themes will follow the lectionary scriptures in Luke. We will explore the tension between what was expected and what God chose to do.  We wait for earth shaking events: God works on a deep, quiet level. We expect life-changing cataclysms; God reveals life-changing ideas.

 

Sunday, November 30, 2003 -- 1st Sunday of Advent   (Purple)

Lighting the Candle of SIGNS

Title: Signs in the Sun  (Apocalypse/Fire)

Key Text: Luke 21: 25 - 36  prepare for the apocalypse -- the coming of the Son of Man

Question: Candle or Cosmic Glory?

 

Sunday, December 7, 2003 -- 2nd Sunday of Advent  (Purple)

Lighting the Candle of PROPHESY

Title: All Flesh Shall See (Restoration/Illumination)

Key Text: Luke 3: 1 - 6  proclaim baptism, restoration, examination

Question: Candle or Searchlight?

 

Sunday, December 14, 2003 -- 3rd Sunday of Advent  (Purple)

Lighting the Candle of PROCLAMATION

Title: Baptism of Fire (Revolution/Systems)

Key Text: Luke 3: 7 - 18  repent, change ways

Question: Candle or Unquenchable Fire? (Conflagration)

 

Sunday, December 21, 2003 -- 4th Sunday of Advent  (Purple)

Lighting the Candle of RECOGNITION

Title: Lifting the Lowly  (Regeneration/Personal)

Key Text: Luke 1: 39 - 45 (55)  quiet recognition leads to hope, prayer

Question: Candle or Cry of Joy?

 

Wednesday, December 24, 2003 -- Christmas Eve (White)

Lighting the Candle of MANIFESTATION

Title: Terror and Joy  (Arrival/Emanuel)

Key Text: Luke 2: 1 - 15 (20) humble and glorious, lowly and exalted

Question: Candle or Christ?

This will be a service of scripture and song. Communion will be as a high sacrament and the candle will be lit at midnight, with the ringing of bells and the singing of “Joy to the World.”

 

Alternative Lighting of the Candles on the Advent Wreath

§        Each Sunday, after the ringing of the bell, the Readers (at least 3, with a 4th to light the candles) will come forward, unannounced. One will take the taper (unlit candle on the organ) and light it from a candle on the altar. The READING and the QUESTION will be pronounced, the candle(s) will be lit, and then the PRAYER will be said.

§        The Pastor will then announce the hymn and the readers may be seated as the hymn begins.

§        Readers should meet with Rev. LL at 10:30 each Sunday to go over the lighting liturgy and movements.

 

Sunday, November 30, 2003 -- 1st Sunday of Advent

Lighting the Candle of SIGNS: (Readers will come forward after the ringing of the church bell and gather around the Advent Wreath in the chancel.)

1. READING: “In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men for the East came to Jerusalem asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we have observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage?’”  Matthew 2: 1 - 2

2. QUESTION: The candles on the altar each week are symbolic of the presence of God in our time of worship. During Advent, we light candles to remind us of the special presence of Christ, who came to us and lived among us so long ago. The wise men saw a sign of Christ’s coming. The question we ask ourselves this day is: “What are the signs of the coming of Jesus into your life?”

As we light this candle of SIGNS, we seek the light of Christ within each of us. (Light 1st candle)

3. PRAYER: Let us pray: Lord, let your light shine within us as a sign that you are Lord of our lives. We ask that you give us the strength to be a sign of your presence in this world, that our lives may show the beauty of your love and the glory of your grace to all. Amen.

HYMN: (Pastor will announce as Readers return to their seats in the congregation.)

 

Sunday, December 7, 2003 -- 2nd Sunday of Advent

Lighting the Candle of PROPHESY  (Readers will come forward after the ringing of the church bell and gather around the Advent Wreath in the chancel.)

1. READING: “A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert and highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” Isaiah 40: 3 - 5

2. QUESTION: Our question this morning is: “How have you prepared your heart for the coming of Christ?” Last week, we lit the candle of SIGNS and sought to recognize the signs of Christ coming into our lives. (Re-light 1st Candle.)

As we light this candle of PROPHESY, we seek to understand how we can prepare our hearts for Christ’s presence. (Light 2nd candle.)

3. PRAYER: Let us pray: Lord, make us humble and open to your presence. We ask that you show us what we need to do to make you the center of all we are and all we do. Amen.

HYMN: (Pastor will announce as Readers return to their seats in the congregation.)

 

Sunday, December 14, 2003 -- 3rd Sunday of Advent

Lighting the Candle of PROCLAMATION  (Readers will come forward after the ringing of the church bell and gather around the Advent Wreath in the chancel.)

1. READING: “For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 

2 Corinthians 4: 5 - 6

2. QUESTION: Paul write to the people of the church at Corinth to proclaim Christ as the light to shine in our hearts. Our question this morning is: “Who do you proclaim as the light of the world and what is the light of your own life proclaiming to the world?” We have lit the candles of SIGNS, looking for signs of Christ in our lives, and the candle of PROPHESY, opening ourselves to preparing for the presence of Christ in this world. (Re-light 1st & 2nd candles as mentioned.)

As we light this candle or PROCLAMATION, we seek to make each moment of our lives a proclamation of God’s love. (Light 3rd candle.)

3. PRAYER: Let us pray: Lord, in all we do and say, let us proclaim your saving grace and love. Let your light so shine in our lives that we are example of true disciples of Jesus. Amen.

HYMN: (Pastor will announce as Readers return to their seats in the congregation.)

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”  (Tentative)

 

Sunday, December 21, 2003 -- 4th Sunday of Advent

Lighting the Candle of RECOGNITION  (Readers will come forward after the ringing of the church bell and gather around the Advent Wreath in the chancel.)

1. READING: “To you I will lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! As the eyes of servants look to the and of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us.”   Psalm 123: 1 - 2

2. QUESTION: The Psalmist sings to the glory of God and recognizes the relationship between humankind and our Lord. This morning we ask: “Do you recognize all that God has done in your life and in this world?”

We now Re-light the candles of SIGNS, PROPHECY and PROCLAMATION -- reminding ourselves that we are drawing near to the celebration of Christ’s birth. (Re-light first 3 candles as they are mentioned.)

As we light this candle of RECOGNITION, we seek to recognize the grace and glory of God in our every moment or every day. (Light 4th candle.)

3. PRAYER: Let us pray: Lord, you are  light and love. Help us to always see your presence in our lives and to bring your message to all the world. Amen.

HYMN: (Pastor will announce as Readers return to their seats in the congregation.)

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”  (Tentative)

 

Wednesday, December 24, 2003 -- Christmas Eve

(Christ Candle) Lighting the Candle of MANIFESTATION

READING:

QUESTION:                 To be announced

PRAYER:

These will be determined  as the Christmas Eve service is constructed. We will not need a special group as on the 4 Sundays of Advent. We will need 5 Layreaders for the service. We will light the Christ candle at midnight.

 

 
 
More about THE ADVENT WREATH and possible liturgies

Found on-line, author unknown

 

Advent comes from the Latin word 'adventus' meaning 'Coming.' Advent begins the church year starting four Sundays before Christmas. The season of Advent has been set aside as a time of preparation since the 6th century. Advent is a time for preparing for Christ's second coming, even as we remember and celebrate his first coming at Christmas. This is why the colour of the season of Lent is used, purple or blue, the colours also of Lent, of forgiveness and repentance.

 

Traditions vary from church to church, but usually one week, either week three or four in Advent, is set aside as more celebratory than others. Rose is the colour of this week rather than purple, which is why a rose candle is used. In our churches we will celebrate this week on the fourth Sunday of Advent, when we remember Mary, the mother of Jesus to whom is attributed that great song of joy, the Magnificat.

 

First Candle—The Candle of Hope: The Patriachs, Abraham, the Old Testament Ancestors of Jesus

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord

 

All: Thanks be to God

 

Leader: Today is the First Sunday of Advent, in which we recall the hope we have in Christ.

 

God told Abraham that through him all the nations of the world would be blessed, because he trusted and put his hope in God. The Old Testament spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David. He would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations. We too believe in God's promise to send Jesus again to this world to establish his kingdom upon the earth.

 

(A person lights the First Candle here)

 

Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

 

Leader: Let us pray:

 

All: God of Abraham and Sarah and all the Patriachs of old, you are our Father too. Your love is revealed to us in Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Son of David. Help us in preparing to celebrate his birth, to make our hearts ready and to place our hope in you. Help us today and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your hope with others. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

 

Second Candle—The Candle of Peace:

The prophets who foretold the birth of Jesus

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord

 

All: Thanks be to God Leader:

 

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent and we will light the Candle of Peace. Last Sunday we lit the First Candle in our Advent Wreath, and celebrated the patriarchs, this First Candle reminded us of our hope in Christ. We light it again as we remember our Saviour, born a king in the line of King David. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and we believe that he will come again to fulfil all of God's promises to us, to rule the world wisely and bless all nations.

 

(A person lights the first candle, the candle of hope)

 

Today we light the Second Candle of Advent, the Candle of Peace. We remember the prophets who spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a Saviour would be born, a king in the line of King David. The prophet Isaiah called Christ "the Prince of Peace". They told us how he would rule the world wisely and bless all the nations.

 

When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peace-makers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God. When Christ comes to us he brings us peace and he will bring everlasting peace when he comes again.

 

We light the Candle of Peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.

 

(A person lights Second Candle, the Candle of Peace)

 

Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.

 

Leader: Let us pray:

 

All: Lord Jesus, Light of the World, the prophets said you would bring peace and save your people from trouble. Give peace in our hearts at Christmastide. We ask that as we wait for you to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

 

Third Candle—The Candle of Love: John The Baptist

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord

 

All: Thanks be to God

 

Leader: Today is the Third Sunday of Advent and we will light the Candle of Love. Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Peace. We light it and the Candle of Hope again as we remember Jesus, born in Bethlehem, our hope and our peace.

 

(A person lights the Candles of Hope, and Peace.)

 

Today we light the Third Candle of Advent, the Candle of Love. In their old age God gave to Zechariah and Elisabeth a son called John. John spoke to the people bravely in the desert denying his own comforts and prepared to die for what he believed. John taught that we should share what we have with others, treat each other kindly and show Gods love. He did this because he cared for people and wanted them to repent and find God's forgiveness.

 

(A person lights the Candle of Love here)

 

Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ.

 

Leader: Let us pray:

 

All: Lord God, Your witness John the Baptist grew up strong in spirit and prepared people for the coming of the Lord. He loved your people and baptised them in the River Jordan to wash away their sins. Help us to have the same love that we would be witnesses to him and spread the good news of your love. As Christmas draws closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome him.

 

Fourth Candle - The Candle of Joy (Pink candle): Mary the Mother of Jesus

The Leader says the following

 

Leader: Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord

 

All: Thanks be to God

 

Last Sunday we lit the Candle of Love. We light it and the Candles of Hope and Peace again as we remember that Jesus, born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfil all of God's promises and bring us everlasting peace and joy.

 

(A person lights the Candles of Hope, Peace, and Love)

 

Today we light the Fourth Candle of Advent, the Candle of Joy. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song that began with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him.

 

From hope, peace, and love grows joy. We light the Candle of Joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us we have joy and that through him there will be everlasting joy on earth.

 

(A person lights the Candle of Joy)

 

Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ. Leader:

 

Let us pray:

 

All: Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

 

 

The Family Advent Wreath

by: Fr. Francis J. Weiser, S.J.

This charming symbol connected with the season of advent has not only found its way into America but has of late been spreading so rapidly that it is already a cherished custom in many homes. People seem to welcome it with eager delight wherever they are introduced to this "new" custom. Actually, it is centuries old, although not as old as most other Christmas traditions.

 

The Advent wreath originated a few hundred years ago among the Lutheran population in Eastern Germany. It seems to have been suggested by one of the many light symbols which were used in folklore at the end of November and beginning of December. At that season of the year our pre-Christian forefathers began to celebrate the month of Yule (December) with the burning of lights and fires. The Christians in medieval times kept many of these light and fire symbols alive but Christianized them.

 

In the sixteenth century somebody conceived the fortunate inspiration of using such lights as a religious symbol of Advent in the houses of the Faithful. The practice quickly spread and was soon accepted among Catholics and Protestants alike.

 

The Advent wreath is exactly what the word implies, a wreath of evergreens, made in various sizes. It is either suspended from the ceiling or placed on a table, usually in front of the family shrine. Fastened to the wreath are four candles (3 purple, 1 pink) standing upright, at equal distances. These candles represent the four weeks of Advent and the four thousand years from Adam to Christ.

 

Daily at certain times, (usually in the evening), the family gathers for a short exercise of prayer. Every Sunday of Advent one more candle is lit until all four candles shed their cheerful light to announce the approaching birthday of the Lord. Before the prayer starts, all other lights are extinguished in the room, and only the gentle glow of the live candles illuminates the darkness.

 

How to Make the Family Advent Wreath

During the week before the First Sunday of Advent, the father of the family takes charge of the family preparation of the Advent Wreath. This is an old custom and filled with spiritual significance.

 

Traditionally, all the family members made the Advent Wreath. Father and sons collected evergreen boughs, black thread for tying the boughs together and wire to form candle holders hidden in the wreath. Mother and daughters purchase the violet and rose ribbon and the 4 candles. Blessed candles obtained from the Parish are sacramentals and bring special solemnity to the use of the Advent Wreath during the 4 weeks of Advent.

 

An Advent Wreath can be purchased easily today but children are especially drawn into this Advent family custom when the wreath is homemade.

 

A wreath is fashioned out of evergreen boughs and should be full and lush. It should be sized to fit on the family altar to be used during evening prayers. Some families place it on their evening meal table. A wire circle can be entwined under the wreath to hold 4 candles. For bows are fashioned out of ribbon – 3 violet in color, one rose. Each bow represents the graces particular to each of the 4 weeks of Advent. The violet is the Liturgical color of a season of penance, which Advent is. The rose colored one is for the 3rd Sunday of Advent when the Church’s joy is ever more evident as the birth of the Savior is only days away. (NOTE: If blessed candles are used, of course they are white. The Liturgical Colors of Advent, violet and rose, are then represented in the color of the bows.) Three violet candles are placed on the wreath secured right near the corresponding violet bows. A rose colored candle is secured near the rose colored bow.

 

Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning of the Family Advent Wreath

           

Shape of the Wreath

The circular shape of the wreath reminds us of the fact that God is eternal. God had no beginning and will have no end. He always was and always will be.

 

The Color of the Wreath

Green is the Liturgical Color that expresses Hope in God. The boughs of the fir tree are always green in every season of the year. These evergreen boughs which form the wreath remind us that God and His Revelation are unchanging even as the fir tree is ever green.

 

The Four Candles

The 4 candles divide the time of Advent, each candle representing one of the "four thousand years" Scripture gives as the time span from Adam ‘s fall to the birth of the Savior. The first violet candle is lit on the First Sunday of Advent. On the Second Sunday the next violet candle is lit. On the Third Sunday the Rose colored candle is lit. The last violet candle is lit on the 4th Sunday of Advent.

 

The Flame of the Candle

The soft glow of each of the candle flames reminds us of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. As each candle is lit during the consecutive weeks, the candle light becomes ever brighter as Christmas approaches and the Lord is near . . . Emmanual, God with us.

 

The Ribbon Bows on the Wreath

The ribbons have the Liturgical Colors of the Advent Season. Violet symbolizes a time of penance and preparation. Rose symbolizes pending jubilation and joy.

 

On the evening of the First Sunday of Advent as all family members gather at the family altar and the first violet candle is lit, father or mother explain to the children the above list of symbolism’s offered by the Advent Wreath. Especially dwell on the fact that Advent reminds us of the 4000 years of the Old Testament when God’s Chosen People awaited the coming of the long promised Redeemer. As God used the events of the Old Testament to prepare the hearts of His people for the coming of His Son, so He will use the 4 weeks of Advents with its particular Liturgical prayers, Scriptural Readings, daily Mass and religious customs in the home, to prepare our hearts to worthily receive His Son on Christmas Day and in our Christmas Communion. The Blessed Sacrament can be better understood when we remember that this Sacrament truly is Emmanuel, God With Us.

 

Advent Wreath – First Sunday in Advent

On the first Sunday of Advent, after the wreath is in place and the family has gathered for prayer, the father or head of the home, blesses the wreath reading a special prayer of blessing. (See Blessing of the Advent Wreath below) Then the family reads the prayer for the first week of Advent. (See Advent Wreath Family Prayers below) This prayer is repeated each night during that week till the next Sunday.

 

Catholic families may have the wreath blessed with a general blessing given by the priest, if they so wish. (Benedictio ad omnia.) A special liturgical blessing could be given to the candles, since the Church provides such a blessing. (Benedictio candelarum)

 

The traditional symbolism of the Advent wreath reminds the faithful of the Old Testament, when mankind was "sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death." (Luke 1:79 ) When the prophets, illumined by God, announced the Redeemer; and when the ears of good people stood in flame with the desire for the Messiah. The wreath itself symbolizes "the fulfillment of time" in the coming of Christ, the glory of His birth, and the gift of eternal life He brings us.

 

The purple candles remind us of the Advent penance’s we have taken on to prepare our hearts for the coming of Almighty God. The pink one reminds us of the pending awesome joy His coming will bring each of us. The circle of the wreath reminds us of the fact that God has no beginning or end. He always was and always will be.

 

After the Advent prayers are recited for the grace of a good and holy preparation for Christmas, the family sings one of the traditional Advent hymns or a song in honor of Mary.

 

It is hard to picture the wonderful memories, which such a daily custom in Advent evokes in the hearts of those who enjoyed its inspiration in their childhood. Somehow these holy moments of prayer and prayerful song before the lights of the Advent wreath exert an influence in later life which seems out of proportion with the simple ceremony. Actually, it is not, of course; for to this practice of family prayer with its beautiful symbolism, apply the words of Christ;" Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20) You had Christ in your home when you were a child. This is the brilliant truth that makes such a simple tradition so meaningful. It will be a great aid to children to help them keep and strengthen their holy faith.

 

Blessing of the Advent Wreath on the First Sunday In Advent

Father: Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

All: Who made heaven and earth.

Father: Let us pray. O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. (Sprinkle the wreath with Holy Water in the form of a Cross.) Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

 

Oldest child lights the first violet candle for this first Sunday in Advent. (All read aloud the prayer for First Week of Advent below.)

 

Advent Wreath Family Prayers (for Each of the Four Weeks)

 

Week One

One candle is lit on this First Sunday of Advent and each night this week during evening prayers.

Father: Let us pray. Stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, O Lord, and come, so that we may escape through Thy protection and be saved by Thy help from the dangers that threaten us because of our sins. Who livest and reignest forever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

See below today’s Scriptural Readings to be read aloud. All sing one of the Advent Songs. Conclude with the regular family night prayers.

 

Week Two

Two candles are lit on this second Sunday of Advent and each night this week during evening prayers.

Father: Let us pray. O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure souls. Through the same Christ our Lord.

 

All: Amen.

 

Read the appropriate daily Scriptural Reading noted. Sing one of the Advent songs. Conclude with the regular family evening prayers.

 

Week Three

The rose colored candle is lit on this Third Sunday of Advent along with the 2 violet candles from the weeks before.

Father: Let us pray. We humbly beg Thee. O Lord, to listen to our prayers; and by the grace of Thy coming bring light into our darkened minds. Who livest and reignest forever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

Read aloud the appropriate daily Scriptural readings noted. Sing one of the Advent songs. Conclude with the regular family evening prayers.

 

Week Four

All four candles are lit on this Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Father: Let us pray. Stir up Thy might, we pray Thee, O Lord, and come; rescue us through Thy great strength so that salvation, which has been hindered by our sins, may be hastened by the grace of Thy gentle mercy. Who livest and reignest forever and ever.

 

All: Amen.

 

Read aloud the appropriate daily Scriptural Reading included. Sing one of the Advent songs. Conclude with the regular family evening prayers.