Monday, December 1, 2008

Lighting the Advent Wreath

I was charged with writing a service centered around lighting the four Advent candles. The fifth, the "Christ" candle, is not lit until Christmas Eve. I had the idea of our people singing together as the candles were lit, so I wrote the following words to the tune "Away in a Manger." Feel free to use this, but please cite your source. Thanks!

A flame warm and glowing mid winter’s cold chill;
We long for a Savior, God’s promise fulfill.
Now lighting a candle, your saints gathered ‘round,
Proclaim “Christ is coming, his HOPE to abound.”

One candle is burning and now we light two,
We pray that God’s PEACE would extend the world through.
The coming of Jesus unites humankind;
We’re children of heaven with hearts intertwined.

There’s JOY in the morning and joy through the night,
Since Jesus is coming to make all things right.
This third advent candle we light with great cheer;
O come now our Savior, Lord Jesus draw near.

Emmanuel, Jesus, our Savior and Friend,
His mercy, compassion, and LOVE never end.
With deep adoration this candle we light.
To honor our Jesus, our Lord, our delight.

The Christ candle waits for his coming one day;
To be with his children he will not delay.
We watch and we wait now for soon we will see,
Christ Jesus among us to set us all free!

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