Today we celebrate the arrival of Jesus.
He is born in Bethlehem; Emmanuel (God with us), A Light in the Darkness.
Today we welcome the Christ Child as we proclaim with the prophet Isaiah, “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
Lighting of the fifth Advent Candle
Light looked down and saw darkness.
‘I will go there’, said Light.
Peace looked down and saw war.
‘I will go there’, said Peace.
Love looked down and saw hatred
‘I will go there’, said Love.
So he, the Lord of Light,
the Prince of Peace,
the King of Love,
came down and crept in beside us.
All five candles are lit and we sing all five verses of the advent hymn.
ADVENT HYMN
Tune “The road and the miles to Dundee” (697)
The candle that burns is our hope in Christ Jesus;
It spreads in the darkness, and glows in our hearts;
Whenever our hope seems to fade and to falter
Remember this candle, and hope in our Lord.
The candle that burns is our peace in Christ Jesus;
It spreads round the world and envelops us all;
Whenever our peace is disturbed by our sadness
Remember this candle, and peace will embrace.
The candle that burns is our love for Christ Jesus;
It spreads from his care and embraces our lives;
Whenever our love is being tested so sorely,
Remember this candle, and love once again.
The candle that burns is our joy in Christ Jesus;
It spreads out to others who search for this joy;
Whenever our joy is suppressed by the darkness
Remember this candle, and smile once again.
The candles that burn on this new Christmas morning
Are candles which celebrate hope, peace, joy, love.
And so on this day when we welcome our Saviour
Remember these candles, and worship the Son.
© Matthew S. Bicket 10th July 2015
The Blessing
May the joy of the angels,
The humility of the shepherds
And the peace of the Christ Child
Be God’s gift to you this Christmas season and always.
