ADVENT 2007

Sunday, December 23,2007

Lighting the Advent Wreath
Fourth Sunday in Advent

Reader 1: May God’s peace be with us all.

Reader 2: Psalm 85: 8

Reader 3: (Lighting the first candle.)

We relight the first candle to remember that Jesus brings us hope.  We continue to hope and pray 
for ________________________ (repeat what you chose last week).

Reader 4: (Lighting the second candle.)

We relight the second candle to remember that Jesus shows us the way.

Reader 5: (Lighting the third candle.)

We relight the third candle to remind us that Jesus brings us joy.

Reader 6: (Lighting the fourth candle.)

We light this candle to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

All: Dear God, give peace to your people this Advent season and always.

Sharing: Talk about things you can do to work for peace in your family, neighborhood, city and world.

Sing a favorite Christmas Carol.

Sunday, December 23, Meditation

Isaiah 11:1-9    
Ephesians 6:10-20    
John 3:16-21

These three passages have a common theme of love and unity.  In Isaiah 11:1-9 we have Isaiah predicting that Jesus will be born and will change the world.   This is the love.  Also in the passage we see many different types of animals that prey on the other living and getting along with one another.  This is the unity. 

John 3:16-21 starts off with one of the most well known Bible verses.  This passage proves what Isaiah predicted hundreds of years earlier.  We know that Jesus came into this world to show us the way.  The way to walk in God’s light.  John gives us the assurance that if we follow the light, Jesus, that God will be with us through all of the struggles and battles of our lives.  This is the love.  The passage also shows us that Jesus provides us with the example for our lives.  Not just for certain people, but for the entire world.  This is the unity. 

The response we have to the love and unity God has provided to us is found in the passage from Ephesians.  This passage tells us to put on the armor of God to help us in those struggles and battles of our lives.  When we put on the armor of God we will be able to stand firm as we proclaim the gospel of peace. 

Prayer: Dear God, Help us to follow the example of Jesus by putting on the armor of God and proclaiming the gospel of peace.  Amen. 

This web site is designed & maintained by Epworth OnLine Disciples E O D
Last modified November 17, 2007