Christmas Candle

The candles remain unlighted at the beginning of the service.

Introduction
On this Christmas Eve [Day, Night]
we are gathered as God’s people
to celebrate again what Christ’s coming
means to the world.
We join with Christians all over the world
who are celebrating on this holy night [day].

Readings from the Bible
Choose any or all of these readings. Each may be read by a different person.

Isaiah 9:6
For a child has been born for us,
an heir given to us.
Authority rests upon the shoulders
of the One who is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:10,14
The angel said to [the shepherds],
“Do not be afraid; for see—
I am bringing you good news
of great joy for all the people.”

Romans 5:5
Hope does not disappoint us,
because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Lighting of the Candles
Tonight [Today] we relight the four Advent candles and recall what the Good News means.

Light each candle to the words “Hope,” “Peace,” “Joy,” “Love.”

Jesus Christ is the greatest gift
who makes all these other gifts real.
So, we light the Christ candle now,
as we think about what Christ’s coming
means to each one of us.
The color of the candle is white—
symbolizing the light of day
and the light that Christ shines into the world.

The Christ candle is lit.

Prayer
We thank you, God,
for your gift of Jesus Christ to the entire world.
We thank you that Christ’s coming makes
hope, peace, joy and love
possible for every person in every nation.
Encourage us to do our part
to bring good will and peace
to our families, our churches,
our neighborhood, our world.
Now let your Spirit put us in touch with you,
the living God,
through the celebration of Christmas.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
through whom you give us all good things.
Amen!