Advent has begun. Advent means ‘coming’. It is a time to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
Day by day, week by week, as we look at the Advent wreath,
we remember how God’s people, throughout history, looked forward to the coming of Jesus.
Candle 1 Lord, long ago, your word, like a candle, burned with the promise of a light to come.
May this light remind us to keep our promises to you.
Candle 2 In the past, when times were dark, your word shone as bright as the day.
May we allow it to shine in our lives and guide us along your way.
Candle 3 At last, when you came into the world, Mary rejoiced as you shone in her heart.
Help us to keep the spark of joy in our hearts.
The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for the Lord has anointed me.
He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up hearts that are broken;
to proclaim liberty to captives, freedom to those in prison; to proclaim a year of favour from the Lord.
'I exult for joy in the Lord,my soul rejoices in my God,
Be happy at all times; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks to God,
because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus.
Never try to suppress the Spirit or treat the gift of prophecy with contempt;
Think before you do anything.
Hold on to what is good and avoid every form of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfect and holy.
1 We offer you these oranges - they represent the whole world.
2 We offer you these red ribbons - they represent the blood of Christ
3 We offer you these four sticks - they represent the four seasons, and the four corners of the earth.
4 We offer you these fruit and sweets - they represent the food you give your people.
5 We offer you these candles - they are a sign that Jesus is the Light of the World.
