Advent I: Hope
One: As the nights grow longer, we see an echo of our uncertainty as we walk through a life filled with unknowns.
Many: As we look around at the horrors of the world, we fear what the future may hold, and sometimes we find ourselves lost in despair.
One: Yet, with the prophets of old, we hope for a time when wars shall cease, justice will roll down like waters, and the hungry will be filled with good things.
(the candle across from the pink one is lit)
Many: As we light the candle of hope, O God, we pray that your light would shine amidst our uncertainty and despair, that we might catch a glimpse of your presence beside us even in those moments we feel most lost and alone.
(add for a first-week Hanging of the Greens or Blessing of the Greens service:)
One: Bless this Advent wreath to be a sign of the fire of your Holy Spirit as we prepare again for your coming in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Advent II: Peace
(the first candle may be lit before service or at this time)
One: Too often, as we read the news of the day, violence between people and nations only seems to be growing as technology makes war more efficient and more destructive.
Many: Too often, as we look at ourselves, the burdens of money, work, strained relationships, and illness seem to leave our lives in turmoil.
One: Yet, with the poets of old, we look for your peace that defies our understanding and our expectations, making smooth our paths toward fullness of life in you.
(the second candle is lit)
Many: As we light the candle of peace, O God, we pray that your warmth would fill us amidst the chaos of our lives and our world, that we might feel your Spirit sustaining us even in those moments we feel most helpless and in pain.
Advent III: Joy
(the first two candles may be lit before service or at this time)
One: Too often, the world seems to pile tragedy upon tragedy until bad news is hard to hide from and good news is hard to find.
Many: Too often, anxiety, depression, or just the busyness and stress of life make lasting joy feel like wishful thinking.
One: Yet, with the psalmists of old, we long for assurance of your presence and pray for a just world that fulfills all our needs without question or cost.
(the pink candle is lit)
Many: As we light the candle of joy, O God, we pray that your warmth would charm us amidst the distractions of the season, that we might be open to the kind of joy at your presence that makes mothers burst into song.
Advent IV: Love
(the first three candles may be lit before service or at this time)
One: Too often, the world seems to see the unfamiliar with eyes of fear rather than of love.
Many: Too often, we approach even ourselves with unfair criticism instead of encouragement and understanding.
One: Yet, as Christmas draws near, we long for the presence of love itself in a God who speaks with the silenced and walks with the outcast.
(the final candle is lit)
Many: As we light the candle of love, O God, we pray that your warmth would soften our judgments of ourselves and our neighbors, that we might see the world with your abundant love that defies expectation and understanding.
Christmas Eve
(the four outer candles may be lit before service or at this time)
One: As we look around at the pain of the world, we often find ourselves crying out to you:
Many: How long, O Lord? How long?
One: How long must we wait for suffering to cease?
Many: How long must we wait for safety and comfort?
One: And yet, in the midst of our laments, you cry out in return that we do not need to await a perfect world to find you here with us.
Many: In the mystery of Christmas, you come to us in the midst of weakness, fear, war, oppression, and pain, and you dwell with us anyway.
One: In the mystery of the Incarnation, you show us that there is nothing we can do that makes it impossible for you to reach us when we ask.
(the Christ candle is lit)
Many: As we light the Christ candle, O God, we pray that you would remain with us through every triumph and trial to show us the holiness of humanity and the sacredness of this earth our home.
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Plagal Cadence 