Lighting the Christ Candle ---- Christmas Eve
Voice 1: The Lord be with you. (And also with you). We gather to celebrate the birth of the one who is the light of the world. We light the candle of hope to remind us of the promises made by the prophets that God would raise up a Savior for his people Israel.
Voice 2: Jesus Christ is our hope and our salvation. The Christ calls us to share our hope of the Realm of God with each other. Let us sing verse one of “One Candle is Lit” found in the Chalice Hymnal on page 128.
(Light the first candle)
Voice 1: We light the candle of peace to remind us that it is only with God and by following God’s path that true peace can be found.
Voice 2: Jesus Christ brings the peace of God to us. The Christ calls us to share the peace that passes all understanding with each other. Let us sing verse two of “Light one candle”.
(Light the second {pink}candle)
Voice 1: We light the candle of joy to remind us that God gives joy to every heart that abides in the Lord.
Voice 2: As Mary rejoiced in the birth of Jesus – so Christ’s birth in us brings us joy. God calls us to share this joy with each other. Let us sing verse three of “Light one candle.”
(Light the third candle)
Voice 1: We light the candle of love to remind us that Jesus Christ is God’s gift of love to us --- and that in Christ Jesus, the light of love triumphs over darkness.
Voice 2: Love never fails. It transforms all those who give it and receive it. God calls us to share this love with each other. Let us sing verse four of “Light one candle”.
(Light the fourth candle)
Voice 1: We light the Christ Candle to remind us that the light of the world was born this night. The people who walked in the darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined.
(Light the Christ Candle)
Voice 2: You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.
Voice 1: His name shall be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Voice 2: He is also called Emmanuel, for in Christ Jesus, God is with us.
Let us pray. (pause) Almighty God. You have made this night holy by the gift of Jesus Christ, born of the Holy Spirit and of human flesh. Upon Jesus Christ rests all your grace, and through Jesus Christ has come all your mercy. Let the light of Christ Jesus shine within our hearts tonight even more brightly than it shines from the candles in this sanctuary. Help us to hear your word, and to be ever mindful of your everlasting love, a world without end, now and forever, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.