Advent Candle Readings Based the Upper New York Annual Conference’s African University Endowment Fund Initiative
The following is a liturgy for the 2012 Advent Season may be used for the blessing and the weekly candle lightings of the Advent Wreath. These scriptures, readings and prayers are being presented for possible use leading to a special collection during the Advent and Christmas Seasons (possibly Christmas Eve or Christmas Day) and to help start the Christian year with a focus upon the Upper New York Annual Conference’s African University Endowment Fund Initiative. Rev. Adam Hamilton, in his wonderful book “The Journey”, writes about how the church he serves uses the Christmas Eve collections to support mission work in the African nation of Malawi - obviously this lead to the inspiration of the following.
The Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Reader # 1:
The history and traditions of the symbols used during the Advent and Christmas Season are many, varied and interesting. For Christians, as we enter the new Christian year, the Advent Wreath becomes a centering symbol of the season. Many know its history, purpose, tradition and focus. It is in the shape of a circle, that geometric shape that has no beginning and no end. It is made from the branches of an evergreen tree. Both are obvious reminders of eternal life, the life we are able to claim because God took on flesh and became incarnate in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reader # 2:
As we journey through the season of Advent we will not only focus on the traditional reminders of the season - Christ’s first coming, His continuing presence with us and promised return – but also on the hope, joy and peace we receive as we realize Jesus is the Way. Weekly, as we light the candles, we will be reminded of how we are but one nation under God, and that all nations on this planet can make the same claim. We are also reminded that we are a people, no matter where we may live, drawn together by the love that came down that first Christmas day.
Reader # 1:
Our secondary focus this Advent will be towards a continent many miles away; Africa. In particular we should focus on how the people of that continent, despite all its poverty, disease, wars and political corruption still find hope, joy and peace because they realize Jesus Christ is their way to a better life. We will combine our prayers towards one of the doors through which a new Africa will be emerge – African University. This institute of higher education, which was founded through the efforts of the United Methodist Church, stands as a glistening gem against the beautiful, but rugged, terrain that is Africa. And, against the “rugged terrain” of a much overlooked continent, we will pray that the Upper New York Annual Conference’s goal of establishing a 1 million dollar scholarship endowment will be met, sooner rather than later, and that throughout this season and on Christmas Eve/Day we will give generously to help achieve that goal.
Reader # 2:
Let us pray: Gracious God, our creator and sustainer, be with us during our Advent journey. Wepray that by your Holy Spiritthis Advent Wreath; our lives and the lives of our sisters and brothers around the world will be blessed.Lord we earnestly pray for the grace and humility that we may better live the Gospel of your Son, Jesus Christ, each day and that we may truly become your love with our neighbors in all places. Amen.
First Sunday of Advent
Lighting of the candle of Christ our Hope and Expectation
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 60:2-3
(2) “Though darkness covers the earth and gloom the nations, the Lord will shine upon you; God’s glory will appear over you. (3) Nations will come into your light and the kings to your dawning radiance.”
(Common English Bible)
Reader #1:
As we prepare to start our Advent journey for 2011, as we look back to Bethlehem and forward to Christ’s glorious return, let us not forget Christ’s presence with us each day. For Christians, both near and far, Christ’s coming and promised return brings the knowledge of His continuing presence. As the Messiah’s disciples, this is gives us our hope for the present and allows us to look to the future with even greater expectations.
Reader # 2:
Should you ever be so fortunate as to step foot onto the soil of the continent of Africa you will be overcome with the presence of the Spirit of the Living God; you will comprehend how the words of the prophet Isaiah echo anew through the nations of this land. Yes darkness and gloom covers that continent in many ways – political corruption, AIDS, poverty, children without parents overflowing orphanages, and so many other somber, heart -wrenching conditions. Yet in the midst of the gloom and darkness, we find in the smiles of the people of even the poorest nations of Africa, that because Christ came as a helpless infant people rejoice in the hope that He is with them and that the days ahead will in fact bring joy and peace. They do not look at what they don’t have, but rejoice in what they do have - Christ’s presence and promise for the future.
Reader # 1:
As we light the first candleof the Advent wreath, the candle of Christ our hope and expectation, let us join with our sisters and brothers around the world in sharing the hope that Christ’s coming, presence and promised return brings to us.
(Light the first Advent candle(purple/blue))
Let us join in singing twice the first verse of “Jesus, We Are Here”*
* “The Faith We Sing” # 2273 or one may substitute a more traditional Advent hymn if desired.
Second Sunday of Advent
Lighting the candle of Christ the Way
Scripture Reading:
Mark 1:4
(4) “John was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins.”
(Common English Bible)
(Light the previously lit candle)
Reader #1:
Throughout the Bible we read of the wilderness – Moses’ journey leading the Israelites through the wilderness, folks journeying to John to be baptized in the wilderness, and Jesus journeying into the wilderness following his baptism. We may not think of ourselves as being a wilderness people, but when we really give the idea some thought, don’t we feel we are lost in the wilderness of knowing where we are going and what we should be doing at various times in our lives? During this time of year, this Advent season, we are at the time when we remember that our road map to salvation- Jesus- came as a baby to lead us to righteousness. With that awareness, we, like the people coming to John to be baptized, can change our hearts and lives to more closely follow Christ’s example.
Reader # 2:
During this season it is far to easy for many of us to become lost in the wilderness of our society’s affluence. We can be in the wilderness of not being able to see the forest through the trees. Forgetting the Way that leads to eternal life isn’t about material things we have or are able to give, but of something much deeper and more meaningful; it is about love. It is about the love of God that took on human flesh to show us the way to love ourselves, and our neighbors. For Christians Christmas isn’t about gifts to be given, but the ultimate gift received from God – release from the captivity of sin. For our neighbors on the continent of Africa, their wildernesses are often very rough and rugged. The people of Africa are confronted by many questions that defy reason: Will food be available? Why do I have AIDS? What about my children? And so on.
But the Way did come, and the Way did, through the work of the Holy Spirit, inspire humankind to show their love for the people of Africa by establishing a doorway to a better future for Africa. That doorway stands like a glistening gem in the middle of one of the poorest nations in Africa, Zimbabwe; it is African University. Since its establishment almost twenty-five years ago, thousands of young men and women have received an education that has started to help them on the path to become the leaders that will pave the way to a new Africa. This happen because love came down at Christmas, and that love has never left this planet. Always remember that every day, Jesus is leading you to be disciples to do His holy work and that you are never alone in the wilderness of life.
Reader # 1:
As we light the second candleof the Advent wreath, the candle of Christ the Way, let us join with our sisters and brothers around the world in sharing the hope that Christ’s coming, presence and promised return brings to us.
(Light the second Advent candle(purple/blue))
Let us join in singing twice the second verse of “Jesus, We Are Here”*
* “The Faith We Sing” # 2273 or one may substitute a more traditional Advent hymn if desired.
Third Sunday of Advent
Lighting the candle of Christ our Joy
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 35:10
(10) “The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing and everlasting joy upon their heads. Happiness and joy will overwhelm them; grief and groaning will flee away.”
(Common English Bible)
(Light the previously lit candles)
Reader #1:
Joy is defined as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. In just a few days from now many churches, homes, streets, malls and remote locations around the world will sing out – “Joy to the world the Lord is come!” Did you ever consider the wisdom of the hymnist, none other than the famous Isaac Watts, as he wrote those words? The Lord IS come – not will, not did, but the positive statement “The Lord IS! That statement – “The Lord IS come – should not only set our voices singing, but set our hearts afire with great confidence, happiness and joy.
Reader #2:
Advent is that wonderful season when Christians remember Christ’s first coming and contemplate, pray and meditate on His promised return. Far too often people allow the joy of Christmas, the joy of the Lord Is come, escape the season as they worry about what they do not have and fail to remember all that they do have. Living in the United States allows most of us to live affluently, even if we are socially or financially on the lower side of the scale. Compared to those living in what we call third world countries, even the people here who we identify as poor would be considered well off. In God’s eyes there are no third world countries, because God created all of us equal in this one world for all to inhabit. Let us remember all that we have this Advent Season and let us never forget what we truly have is a Lord of infinite love, grace and compassion. We have a Savior who not only loves us enough to save us from sin and death, but also trusts us enough to be His vessels for sharing that grace in the world. Let the joy of that knowledge light the candle of love and joy in our hearts as we spread His joy throughout this world.
In Rusape, Zimbabwe, one will find store shelves filled with products and goods. Along the dirt or partially paved streets are women, children and some men doing their best to sell fruits, vegetables, chickens and hand-made goods in order to be able to purchase what they need from those stores. The amazing thing about the scene is the joy and happiness found on many of the people’s faces. Only a few short years ago the store shelves were empty. A native of Zimbabwe said, “We are joyful that food and other items are now available. God answered that part of our prayer, now we wait for the day when we have money to be able to buy those goods.” This man realizes that “The Lord IS” even when things aren’t perfect and his joy is in the coming of the Lord.
Reader #1:
As we light the third candle , the candle of Christ our Joy, of the Advent wreathlet us do so remembering that we find our joy in the Lord, not in what we have, but in whose we are and whose we always will be.
(Light the third Advent candle(rose))
Let us join in singing twice the third verse of “Jesus, We Are Here”*
* “The Faith We Sing” # 2273 or one may substitute a more traditional Advent hymn if desired.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Lighting the Candle of Christ the Prince of Peace
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 9:6-7
(6) A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be upon his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (7) There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing it and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of heavenly forces will do this.
(Common English Bible)
(Light the previously lit candles)
Reader #1:
“Unto us a child is born” – is there not great comfort to be found in those words? In a few short days, when they are read at a Christmas service, won’t all seem peaceful and right. In John’s gospel Jesus reminds us that he – “does not give as the world gives.” Isn’t that a peaceful and freeing thought? But let us not forget that Jesus’ coming has lead to, and continues to cause, conflict, debate and sadly even violence. But then again Jesus does not give as the world gives. Even in times of conflict, debate and strife the very fact that God so loves us that Jesus came in the form of a babe in a manger to forever provides the source of all true peace in the world.
Reader #2:
On the campus of African University there is a building that the signage declares is the building of “Peace and Governance.” In our country it would probably be labeled the “Political Science Building”. This emphasis is on ‘Science’ since this can be inferred to provide declarations that are more “black and white’ or “right and wrong” than “peace and governance.” Governance is defined as the action or manner of governing. Doesn’t it sound so much softer, kinder and grace-filled than government? There is a gentleness in the word governance that reminds one of how God governs this creation – not with a firm a hand demanding perfection, but with a kind love forgiving mistakes. A wonderful part of the rich African tradition is providing names and titles for everything form buildings to the naming of a child. Names such as Beauty, Patience, Hope, Love and other such names are common among the people of Africa. Surely it is a continent that lives the Advent journey each day in remembering Jesus first coming, continued presence and promised return. May we do likewise so that we also may find a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Reader #1:
As we light the fourth candle, or the candle of Christ the Prince of Peace, may we do so with this simple prayer: Dear Lord, from the babe in the manger to the Savior on the cross, may we surrender ourselves and wills unto thee. May we never forget the great comfort and peace that we shall find when we earnestly call upon the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
(Light the fourth Advent candle(purple/blue))
Let Us Join in singing twice the fourth verse of “Jesus, We Are Here”*
* “The Faith We Sing” # 2273 or one may substitute a more traditional Advent hymn if desired.
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Lighting the Candle of Christ Candle
Scripture Reading:
John 1:10-12
(10) “The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world did not recognize the light. (11) The light came to his own people, and his own people did not welcome him. (12) But those who welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God’s children,…”
(Common English Bible)
(Light the previously lit candles)
Reader #1:
On this evening (or day), we will symbolically light the Christ candle of the Advent Wreath. We do so to remember that we are celebrating God’s coming into this world in the flesh, the flesh of a humble and lowly infant whose name was Jesus. For weeks, even months, Christmas lights have adorned malls, streets, workplaces and homes. It has seemed that there is nowhere one could look and not see the beauty of the lights that are used to celebrate Christmas. But let us never forget the words of the prologue of John’s Gospel. That the light was in the world, yet the world did not recognize the light. Let us always remember that long before the Christmas lights were hung, and long after they are removed, the true Light of the world dwells with us and in us – the Light of God in Jesus Christ.