Advent
Wreath
An Advent wreath is a traditional way of symbolising the passing of time leading up to Christmas. It can be a great tool to celebrate the season and remind us of the light of Christ coming into the world. Advent wreaths can often be bought or can be made by simply placing four candles in
a circle with one in the middle. Surround the outer candles with green leaves
(For Australia, Eucalyptus leaves would be wonderful, but keep them away from
the flames). Light a candle for each of the four weeks of Advent; light the
final candle on Christmas Day. This means in week one only lighting one candle,
in week two, two candles etc.
For more information on making and using an Advent Wreath try these web pages:
Below are some suggestions for using your Advent
Wreath:
A simple prayer that can be read each time you light
the candles on the wreath.
Blessed
are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe.
You
sent your Son to be the Light of the world and to
spread
his light of love to all.
As
we light the candles of this wreath
May
its growing brightness remind us of the approaching
nearness
of your Son
So
that the day of His coming may find us prepared and
filled
with joy.
We
ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Weekly prayers and readings for the Advent Wreath.
from Worship Closet by Amy Loving
All scripture quotes are taken from the NRSV.
The following has a simple of candle lighting, reading and prayer that could be done during the week at meals or another time.
First
Sunday of Advent (Promise — Uses
Jeremiah 33:14-16)
Advent
is here, and the wait for the birth of the Christ has begun
As
we light the first candle, we are reminded of God’s promise of a Savior.
The
days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made
to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I
will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute
justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and
Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called:
“The Lord is our righteousness.” (Jeremiah 33:14-16)
God’s
promise of hope is for all people; together, we anticipate the day of his
coming.
Holy
God, you have promised to bring salvation and justice to your creation. As we wait for the arrival of the Savior, may
we live as those who have already been saved by your grace – and may we share
that grace with others. Amen.
Second
Sunday of Advent (Prepare — Uses Malachi
3:1-4)
Our
Advent journey continues as we get ready to meet the promised Lord.
As
we light the second candle, we are reminded that we must prepare our hearts and
minds.
See,
I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you
seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom
you delight – indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure
the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a
refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of
silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold
and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the
offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of
old and as in former years. (Malachi 3:1-4)
God
prepares the way for all to be saved; together we anticipate the day of his
coming.
Lord
of hosts, you are coming to purify our hearts and refine us so that we may be
pleasing, living offerings to you. As we
prepare ourselves for the arrival of the Christ, may we bring honor and glory
to your name – and may we prepare the way for others to meet you. Amen.
Third
Sunday of Advent (Proclaim — Uses Isaiah
12:2-6)
The
Advent of our Lord is near, as we make God’s love known in our world.
As
we light the third candle, we are encouraged to proclaim the good news of God’s
gift of salvation.
Surely
God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is
my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw
water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to
the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim
that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 12:2-6)
God’s
proclamation of joy is for all people; together we anticipate the day of his
coming.
Holy
One, you are the only true source of our strength and salvation. As we proclaim the good news of the coming
birth of Christ, may we dare to worship you with joy – and may we invite others
to experience the joy of your salvation.
Amen.
Fourth
Sunday of Advent (Peace — Micah 5:2-5a)
Our
Advent journey is almost complete, and the Christ child will soon be here.
As
we light the fourth candle, we are reminded of the peace that only Christ can
give.
But
you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from
you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from
of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when
she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall
return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the
strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they
shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he
shall be the one of peace. (Micah 5:2-5a)
God’s
peace is meant for the whole of creation; together, we anticipate the day of
his coming.
God
our Savior, you alone are the Prince of Peace who shall rule with justice and
love. As we seek to be bearers of your
peace in the world, may we find our security in your grace – and may we be
sources of peace and safety to others.
Amen.
Christmas
Eve / Christmas Day (Praise — Psalm
96:1-4)
Our
season of waiting is over, and the Savior of the world is here!
As
we light the Christ Candle, we join our voices with all the saints to praise
the holy name of the Lord.
O
sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord,
bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among
the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord,
and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods. (Psalm 96:1-4)
God
is worthy of our praise, this day and everyday; together, we will worship
Emmanuel – God With Us! Blessed Messiah, Son of God, you have come to redeem
your people and set us free by your amazing love. As we praise your holy name, may the light of
your love guide us – and may we rejoice in letting the light of your love shine
in all the world. Amen.
Worship Closet - Amy loving
Advent Calendar
Your
family might like to make or buy an Advent Calender to count down the days in anticipation
of Christmas.Here
are some great websites with very creative Advent Calendar Ideas
Advent Chain
Another
way to count the days is to create an Advent Paper Chain. The following website
has a printable Advent Chain with activities for children to do each day of
Advent.
Nativity
Scene
Now is the
time to begin thinking about setting up a nativity scene in your home even if
you don’t put the baby Jesus in it till Christmas day. If
you like to decorate your home with Christmas lights think about how you might
depict the nativity in your set up.
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