THE ADVENT WREATH - Jane Austin

CHRIST THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

All the Advent Sunday candles are lit, leaving the one in the centre

As we light the candles in our Advent Wreath we remember the preparations which God our Father made for the coming of his Son into the world.

Our first candle reminds us of Abraham, Isaac, Moses and David who looked forward to the coming of Jesus. Our second candle reminds us of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Micah who told of the coming Messiah.

Our third candle reminds us of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the Lord. Our fourth candle reminds us of Mary who was obedient and became the mother of Jesus.

The centre candle is lit.
 

Today is Christmas Day: on this special day we light the last candle and rejoice together:

Christ, the Light of the World has come? Amen.
 

ADVENT 4 – THE VIRGIN MARY

Luke 1:30, Luke 1:35, Luke 1:49, Matthew 1:23.

The previous Sundays three candles are lit.

As we light the candles in our Advent Wreath we remember the preparations which God our Father made for the coming of his Son into the world. Our first candle reminds us of Abraham, Isaac, Moses and David who looked forward to the coming of Jesus. Our second candle reminds us of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Micah who told of the coming Messiah. Our third candle reminds us of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the Lord.

Today is the Fourth Sunday in Advent; we remember how Jesus, the Son of God, was born of a human mother so that he was truly both God and man.

The angel Gabriel said, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God.’

Thank you, Father

Gabriel said to Mary, ‘The holy one to be born of you will be called the Son of God’.

Thank you, Father.

Mary said, ‘The Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.’

Thank you, Father.

They will call him Immanuel, which means – ‘God with us’.

Thank you, Father.

As we light this fourth candle, we remember Mary

who was obedient and so became the mother of Jesus.

Amen.
 

ADVENT 3 - THE FORERUNNER

John 1:29, John 1:34, Luke 3:16, Mark 1:10,11

The previous Sundays two candles are lit.

As we light the candles in our Advent Wreath we remember the preparations which God our Father made for the coming of his Son into the world. Our first candle reminds us of Abraham, Isaac, Moses and David, who looked forward to the coming of Jesus. Our second candle reminds us of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Micah who told of the coming Messiah.

Today is the Third in Advent: we remember how John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Lord.

John testified: ‘Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’
Praise you, Lord.

John said: ‘I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.’

Praise you, Lord.

John promised: ‘He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire’.

Praise you, Lord.

John saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Praise you, Lord.

The third candle is lit.

We light this third candle

and remember John the Baptist

who came to prepare the way for the Lord.
Amen.

ADVENT 2 – THE PROPHETS

Isaiah 9:6, Jeremiah 3:15, Ezekiel 20:41, Micah 5:2

As we light the candles in our Advent Wreath we remember the preparations which God our Father made for the coming of his Son into the world. Our first candle reminds us of Abraham Isaac, Moses and David who looked forward to the coming of Jesus.

Today is the Second Sunday in Advent: we remember how God our Father also spoke to the people through his prophets and told them of the Christ who was to come.

Isaiah said: “A child is born to us! A son is given to us! He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal
Father, Prince of Peace”. Praise you, Lord.

Jeremiah said: “The Days are coming”, says the Lord, “when I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David.
This king will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord our Salvation”. Praise you, Lord.

Ezekiel said: “I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
Praise you, Lord.

Micah said: “Out of Bethlehem will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” Praise you, Lord.

The second candle is lit:

As we light this second candle, we
remember Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel
and Micah, who prepared the way
for the Messiah who was to come.

ADVENT 1 - THE PATRIARCHS

Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 26:24, Deut 28:15, 2 Samuel 23:3

As we light the candles in our Advent Wreath we remember the preparations which God our Father made for the coming of his Son into the world.

Today is the First Sunday in Advent: we remember how God spoke to Abraham, Isaac, Moses and David and told them of the Messiah who was to come.

Abraham was promised that through his descendants all the world would be blessed.

Thank you, Father.

Isaac was told, ‘Do not be afraid, for I am with you’.

Thank you, Father.

Moses looked forward to the One who would be raised up to take his place as the leader of the people.

Thank you Father.

David knew that a king would follow him who would reign for ever.

Thank you, Father.

The first candle is lit.

As we light this first candle, we remember Abraham, Isaac, Moses and David and like them, we look forward to the coming Messiah. Amen.