This is my third Advent as a pastor at Central Presbyterian, and I’ve had the joy of writing advent candle litanies every year. I am glad to share this year’s litanies with the church and the world. As the words build and change each week, I pray that they guide you on your journey toward the manger.
First Sunday of Advent:
As we light the Advent candles,
We awaken our spirits to the coming of God.
Remembering the shalom of God,
We light a candle for peace.
In peace we pray, and in peace we sing,
Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
Second Sunday of Advent:
As we light the Advent candles,
We awaken our spirits to the coming of God.
Remembering the shalom of God,
We light a candle for peace.
Leaning on the promise of God,
We light a candle for hope.
In hope we pray, and in hope we sing,
Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
Third Sunday of Advent:
As we light the Advent candles,
We awaken our spirits to the coming of God.
Remembering the shalom of God,
We light a candle for peace.
Leaning on the promise of God,
We light a candle for hope.
Basking in the presence of God,
We light a candle for love.
In love we pray, and in love we sing,
Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
Fourth Sunday of Advent:
As we light the Advent candles,
We awaken our spirits to the coming of God.
Remembering the shalom of God,
We light a candle for peace.
Leaning on the promise of God,
We light a candle for hope.
Basking in the presence of God,
We light a candle for love.
Awaiting the coming of God once more,
We light a candle for joy.
In joy we pray, and in joy we sing,
Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day:
As we light the Advent candles,
We awaken our spirits to the coming of God.
Remembering the shalom of God,
We light a candle for peace.
Leaning on the promise of God,
We light a candle for hope.
Basking in the presence of God,
We light a candle for love.
Awaiting the coming of God once more,
We light a candle for joy.
Living the Christmas story again,
We light the candle of Christ.
In Christ we pray and in Christ we sing,
Glory to God in the highest!
Alleluia! Amen.
And also with you. 