Joy to the World

Lesson: Light all previous candles plus the white candle. The white candle is the Christ candle. Today we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, is born.

Scripture: Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayer: Most Holy Lord, today you have given us the Christ Child, born of Mary, he is the hope of the earth and the joy of heaven. As we celebrate this day with carols and prayers, gifts and feasting, may we open our hearts to receive your Son. Come Incarnate Love, and rejuvenate us in body, mind, and spirit. Amen.

Hymn: Joy to the World

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Lesson: Light all three purple and the pink candle. This is the Angel's candle or the candle of hope. As we light this candle we anticipate Christ's second advent and focus on his salvation.


Scripture: Luke 2:13-14


Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."


Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal. Amen.


Hymn: Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Twelve Days of Christmas

O Come All Ye Faithful

Lesson: Light two purple candles and one pink candle. Originally, the season of Advent was a season of fasting and penitance much like Lent. The rose candle lit on Gaudete Sunday (today) signified the midway point of the season and a time for rejoicing and celebration. This candle is the Shepherd's candle; it reminds us that we, like the shepherds must come to Christ, believe in him, and go rejoicing, telling the good news of Jesus' advent to others.

Scripture: Luke 2: 8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Prayer: Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. We who have sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of Jesus Christ, our salvation. Amen.

Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful

Born in Bethlehem

Lesson: On this second Sunday of Advent we light two purple candles. This second candle is the Bethlehem candle; it points to the wondrous mystery of the incarnation. That is, of Christ becoming a man in Bethlehem.

Scripture: Luke 2:4-7

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for the peace you have given us through Jesus Christ. Prepare our hearts to receive him, bless our worship, and guide us in all that we say and do. In the name of the one born in Bethlehem, Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem