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THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Lighting a candle is a simple yet profound act. It is a testimony to the power of light over darkness. Even the light of one candle can reveal our faces as we stand near the candle. As we light the candle, we begin our journey to Christmas, a day of joy and celebration.
The first candle on the Advent wreath is called the Prophecy candle, it opens the period that anticipates Christmas and remembers those who first spoke the promise of the coming Christ child.
[Light one of the purple candles.]
One candle, burning bright,
Chasing away the darkness from light. One candle, glowing light, the blessing of God, giving new sight.
Hear a reading from Isaiah 2:2-5:
In the last days
the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths."
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Let Us Pray:
God of light, place a candle in our hearts, so we may walk as children of the Light, treading gently on the paths of peace and ever ready to welcome the signs of new life. Amen.
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Please begin praying now as to how you are going to participate. I have found the Lord has honored the desires of my heart. I wanted to give and He provided the way for me to give. Deut 8:18 says: "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Holy people in literature and history are often recognized or depicted by a glow or an aura of light around them. There is something about them that draws others into their presence. This "something" is the light of God's goodness radiating forth from them. It is suggested that God kisses us on the forehead in the morning and lights "a Holy Lamp" inside our hearts. What an inspiring image for us to carry this Advent as we welcome the presence of Emmanuel each day. Every morning as we awaken, the first thing to remember is that our inner being is a lantern of God's love. This eternal flame of goodness is at the core of who we are. As this divine love permeates us, we will increasingly live as a loving reflection of Christ's light.
