Advent Candle Readings 2023

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The word “Advent” comes from an ancient Latin phrase meaning “until the coming.” It is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming of the Christ-child.

In this time for reflection, we take each Sunday leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus to reflect on some themes that center us as we wait with eager expectation for the glory of God to be revealed. This Sunday, many across the globe center on “Hope.”

When the world is frightening
And we desire to escape from the ongoing suffering,
The Womb of Creation invites us to remember a hope within.
It is the hope within us that leads us to transform the conditions around us.

We cling to hope in a world full of despair.
We search for it;
We dare to discover hope in the small, yet magnificent moments of our days.

Let us light this candle of hope as we remember the God-with-us and the hope within us.

Together we pray: Dear God, on this first Sunday in Advent, let this light shine brightly as the days grow shorter, so that we will be ready for your face to shine upon us at Christmas. In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Fire burns. It hurts. It can destroy. Fire also gives warmth and light. The coming of Christ is both a day of judgment and a day of promise. Two candles, flickering brightly, help us remember that the coming of Christ has many meanings.

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky” (Psalm 85:10-11).

The first two candles are lit.

Light two candles; see them glow
Brightly, so that all may know
How two candles show the way
Making our darkness bright as God’s day.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.

All pray:  Dear God, we have much to do and we are not sure we will be ready for the day of your coming. In Advent’s light, help us to see what is important: to be who you want us to be, and to do what you would have us do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The light glowing from our Advent wreath is burning brighter. This radiance warms our hearts and fills us with joy! The Lord has done great things for us. Let us rejoice.

“May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves” (Psalm 126:5-6).

The first three candles are lit.

Light three candles, see them glow
Brightly, so that all may know
How three candles show the way
Making our darkness bright as God’s day.

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

All pray: Dear God, we carry many burdens and worry over many things. Help us to hear your promise in this Advent season, that in hearing, we may receive the Spirit’s gift of joy. And may our spirits be kept sound at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Once God’s plan was a mystery, hidden from our sight. Now God has disclosed what was kept secret for so very long; he has brought it out in the light. In the brighter light on this fourth Sunday in Advent, may we see more clearly the glory of God in Christ and sing of the steadfast love of the Lord forever.

“With my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens” (Psalm 89:1b-2).

All four Advent candles are lit.

Light four candles, see them glow
Brightly, so that all may know
How four candles show the way
Making our darkness bright as God’s day.

I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.

All pray: Dear God, your faithfulness has been great, leading us to this day of anticipation and celebration. May the glorious light of your steadfast love shine brightly in us and through us, that all may give you praise and glory. In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen.