An Advent candle liturgy for hope, The Way, joy, peace
Esther Mudoh and granddaughter Chloe Eshoe light the Advent candles in 2023 as Pastor Kristin Hutson follows along. Photo: Gerald Farinas.
Advent Liturgy. Copyright © 2024. Gerald Farinas, Chicago, Ill. Edgewater Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved. Free use license for churches and home use with attribution.
Download a PDF copy of this liturgy
Week 1: Hope
Reader 1: Today we light the first candle of Advent, the candle of Hope. With this light, we remember the hope that God gives to us, the promise of a Savior who brings light to our darkness.
Reader 2: In Isaiah 9:2, we hear,
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.”
Reader 1: May this light be a reminder that God’s hope shines brightly even in the darkest places, guiding us as we wait in hope for Christ's coming.
(Light the first candle)
Prayer:
God of hope, as we light this candle, we open our hearts to you. Fill us with the hope that only you can bring, that we may hold fast to your promises. Help us to live as people of hope, sharing your light with the world. Amen.
Week 2: The Way
Reader 1: Today we light the second candle of Advent, the candle of The Way. This light reminds us that Jesus shows us the way to God, guiding us to live in faithfulness and love.
Reader 2: In John 14:6, Jesus tells us,
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Reader 1: As we light this candle, we commit to following in Christ’s way, seeking to be transformed by his love and to reflect his light to the world.
(Light the second candle)
Prayer:
God of the Way, guide our steps and strengthen our hearts. As we light this candle, help us to walk in the path that Christ has set before us, that we might draw closer to you and lead others to your love. Amen.
Week 3: Joy
Reader 1: Today we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of Joy. This candle shines brightly to remind us of the joy we have in Christ, even amid life’s challenges.
Reader 2: In Luke 2:10-11, we hear the angel’s message to the shepherds,
“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Reader 1: As we light this candle, we celebrate the joy of Christ’s coming, and we pray that his joy may fill our hearts and our lives.
(Light the third candle)
Prayer:
God of joy, fill our hearts with the gladness that comes from knowing you. As we light this candle, let your joy shine in us and through us, that others may know the gift of your love. Amen.
Week 4: Peace
Reader 1: Today we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of Peace. This light reminds us that Jesus comes to bring peace—peace with God, peace within ourselves, and peace in our world.
Reader 2: In John 14:27, Jesus says,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Reader 1: As we light this candle, we remember that Christ’s peace surpasses all understanding, calming our fears and leading us to love.
(Light the fourth candle)
Prayer:
God of peace, calm our hearts and minds as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s coming. Fill us with your peace that we may be peacemakers in this world. May your peace reign in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. Amen.
Each week, the congregation can respond with “Come, Lord Jesus” as a simple refrain, encouraging a sense of unity and anticipation throughout the Advent season.
