| Leader: |
Now we gather for our last Advent celebration.
The light is growing brighter. Christmas, Christ’s birthday is almost here.
We will light the promise candle, the Bethlehem candle, the Angel candle.
LIGHT THE THREE CANDLES AS
THE LEADER IS SPEAKING.
The announcement of Jesus’ birth had come not on television, not by telephone, not by an announcement card; But by an angel, a light in the sky. Now the angels were gone. The light was gone. It was dark again. |
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| Reader: |
Luke 2:15-19 |
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| Leader: |
Our fourth candle is the Shepherd candle.
LIGHT THE FOURTH CANDLE
And so the shepherds hurried to the manger – poor, humble men. These are the ones chosen of God to be Jesus’ first visitors? These are the first to know that Almighty God has kept His ages-old promise of One who would bring light and life to the world?
Did Jesus cry while they were there? Maybe. Did Mary lovingly look at Jesus’ hands and feet? Probably. Did the shepherds know those hands would be used to heal a leper, to bless the children, to still a storm? Probably not. Did Joseph understand this little mouth would give forth the words giving life to millions of people? Did the shepherds or Mary or Joseph realize that Jesus would die on a cross and then come out of the grave to give eternal hope for all mankind? I think not.
But in that quiet wonderful moment, the shepherds were praising God for this One promised – this Jesus – this Giver of light and life. They knew they would never be the same for they had seen Jesus!
The circle of light is complete. The waiting is almost over.
God is faithful: The Son awaits us.
May we show the Light of the World in our lives as we share the Good News. Jesus is Born! |
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| Sing Together: |
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin, mother and child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace |
Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia
Christ our Savior is born
Christ our Savior is born |
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| Family Activity: |
Name three people you love very much. Then think of ways you have to let these people know you care about them. Younger members of the family may need help from other family members to complete this. |
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