Advent Candle Ceremony #2 Series

Advent Candle Ceremony #2

Introduction: Week One

Advent is a time of joyful expectation of the coming of the Lord. It is a time of conversion and renewal, a time of watching and waiting, a time of new beginnings, a time to experience the power of God. It is above all else a time of hope, peace and joy. One of the most beautiful symbols of the Advent season that can be used is the Advent wreath.

The Advent wreath carries with it many rich symbols. The circle represents eternity. A circle has no beginning and no end, just as God’s love and forgiveness have no beginning and no end. The evergreen symbolizes life, hope and growth, because it is always green. The candles symbolize the light that the gospel has brought into the world. With this light we should look into ourselves and recognize our need for the coming of Christ. At this time we will have the lighting of the first candle.

Readers Week One

The first candle we will light will help us to remember that we always need to watch for Christ’s coming. Just as the people waited for the first coming of Christ, we also wait for His second coming. In Mark 13:32-37 it says:

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the door keeper to watch.

Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming - in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning - lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

Prayer: Father of light, today we begin our time of preparation for the birthday of your Son. May the light of this candle remind us that You have given hope to a people who have walked in darkness. As we look upon this candle may we remember that we are to always watch and wait for your coming. Amen.

Introduction: Week Two

The first candle we lit was to help us remember that we always need to watch for Christ’s coming. Just as the people down through the centuries watched and waited for the first coming of Christ, we also are to watch and wait for His second coming. The candle we will light today will remind that we are to turn from our sin - for Christ is coming.

Readers Week Two

The second candle we will light will help us to remember that we always need to be spiritually prepared for Christ’s coming. Just as the people prepared spiritually for the first coming of Christ, we also must prepare spiritually for His second coming. In Mark 1:4-8 we find these words written:

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed in camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer: Father of lights, today we continue to prepare for the coming of your Son. May the lighting of this candle remind us that we must prepare spiritually. Let us reflect your life in all that we say and do. Give us strength to repent of our ways, rid us of angry thoughts, bitter words, selfishness and anything that distracts us from Your light. And may our hearts be prepared at your coming. Amen.

Introduction: Week Three

The first candle we lit was to help us remember that we always need to watch for Christ’s coming. The second candle was to remind us that we are to prepare ourselves spiritually by turning from our sin. The third candle is here to remind us that we have a message to carry to the world.

Readers Week Three

Before Jesus came, a messenger was sent to tell of his coming. We too are God’s massagers to the world around us. We prepare for Christ’s in our own homes, but we need to tell others of Christ’s coming so they too can be prepared. In John 1:6-13 we find these words: