The Second Candle of Advent

The first candle should be lit before the service begins.

Introduction
We gather around the Advent wreath today
knowing that we are not perfect—
that we all make mistakes and do bad things.
Only Jesus obeyed God fully.
Jesus helps us to live as God wants us to live.
Jesus gives us peace.

Reading from the Bible
Isaiah 9:6-7
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,
whose authority shall grow continually;
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David
and for David’s kingdom,
established and upheld with justice
and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Lighting of the Candle
We light this candle to proclaim
the coming of the light of God into the world.
With the coming of this light there is peace,
for Christ is called the “Prince of Peace.”
Christ’s name is also Emmanuel, “God with us.”
The presence of Christ with us
gives us peace day by day.
The color of this candle is purple—
symbolizing the majesty of Christ,
whose throne will endure forever.

Light the second purple candle.

Prayer
Eternal God, we thank you that through all the years
you have given peace to your people.
Help us to have your peace in our lives.
We pray that, in this Advent season,
we may, by what we do, show your presence
to the sick, to the hungry, and to the lonely,
so that they too may have peace.
Amen.