VOICE 1 (Young person) VOICE 2 (Mother) VOICE 3 (Father)

VOICE 1: One candle to remind us of the Advent hope, in which all ages have looked forward to the coming of the Lord.

VOICE 2: "In the days after that time of trouble, the sun will grow dark, the moon will no longer shine, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in space will be driven from their courses. Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in the clouds with great power and glory. He will send the angels out to the four corners of the earth to gather God's chosen people from one end of the earth to the other."

VOICE 3: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your promise to return to this world, not as a tiny baby but as a triumphant king. Keep us watchful against temptation, and joyous in your service, for your name's sake. AMEN.

As the first red candle is lit, the congregation sing Hymn 165. 'O come, O come, Emmanuel'

ADVENT II

(THE FIRST CANDLE BEING ALREADY LIT)

VOICE 1: The second candle, to remind us of God's gift of the Bible, which bears witness to our Lord.

VOICE 2: "So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts."

VOICE 3: Heavenly Father, you have shown the wonder of your love for us in Jesus Christ through the Bible. Grant that in the written Word, and through the spoken Word, we may behold the living Word, our Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN

The second red candle is lit as Hymn 133 'Break forth, O living light of God upon the world's dark hour!' is sung.

ADVENT III

(THE FIRST TWO CANDLES BEING ALREADY LIT)

VOICE 1: The third candle, to remind us of John the Baptist and all God's messengers who prepare the way for the Saviour's coming.

VOICE 2: "The light shines on in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him."

VOICE 3: Almighty God, give your people grace to enter on the way of salvation. As they listen to the voice of John, the Lord's herald, bring them safely to Jesus whom John foretold. AMEN

The third red candle is lit as Hymn 208. 'On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh' is sung.

ADVENT IV

(THREE CANDLES ALREADY LIT)

VOICE 1: The fourth candle, to remind us of Mary who humbly received God's will as her own.

VOICE 2: "And Mary said 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word'."

VOICE 3: O God our Father, we thank you for the joyful experience of Mary. Help us to honour her lowly grace and to share in the humility which does not despise the Christ who comes as a child born in a stable.

The fourth red candle is lit as Hymn 163 'My soul doth magnify the Lord' is sung.

CHRISTMAS EVE

The four red candles should be lit before the service begins. At midnight the white candle is lit, with scripture sentences and prayer such as the following:

'Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men'.

O God our father, as we remember the birth of Your Son Jesus Christ, we welcome him with gladness as Saviour, and pray that there may always be room for him in our hearts and in our homes, for His sake. Amen

As the white candle is lit the congregation sings Hymn 191. 'O Come, all ye faithful'.