Lighting of the Advent & Christ Candles (Christmas Eve/Day)
L: We light the candle of hope, nurturing that flame that was light when Christ was born
in a manger and kindling it until Christ returns again, renewing and redeeming all creation.
in a manger and kindling it until Christ returns again, renewing and redeeming all creation.
All: O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie,
above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in the darkness shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in the darkness shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
L: We light the candle of peace, seeking to be peacemakers in all we do
and praying for that day when the Prince of Peace shall reign.
and praying for that day when the Prince of Peace shall reign.
All: Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Holy infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
L: We light the candle of joy, trusting deeply in God’s goodness
and never failing to rely on our Savior, God with us.
and never failing to rely on our Savior, God with us.
All: Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven, and nature sing.
let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and heaven, and nature sing.
L: We light the candle of love, worshiping a God who is love,
and who gave to us a son, God-incarnate, Emmanuel, God, Love, with us.
and who gave to us a son, God-incarnate, Emmanuel, God, Love, with us.
All: Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sing.
Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sing.
L: We light the Christ candle, for unto us a Savior was born, born this Christmas morning.
All: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.