The 2008 Christmas Fund Advent Candle Liturgy

Christmas, 2008

Lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid … (Is40: 9b) Reader 1: Lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid … (Is40: 9b)

The Candle of Hope We light our first candle and lift up the promise of Hope – long ago and everyday. Reader 2: We light our first candle and lift up the promise of Hope – long ago and everyday. Lighter: (Lights the First Candle) The Christmas fund offers hope through pension supplements to active and retired clergy and active and retired lay employees who have brought good tidings to churches throughout the United Church of Christ.

The Candle of Peace We light our second candle and lift up all our prayers for Peace – from the first angel song to the peacemakers of our generation Reader 1: We light our second candle and lift up all our prayers for Peace – from the first angel song to the peacemakers of our generation Lighter: Lights the Second Candle The Christmas Fund’s health supplements bring peace of mind and spirit to many retired pastors, musicians, sextons and administrators.

The Candle of Joy Lighter: We light the third candle and lift up the song of Joy sung in this church and in communities of faith all around the world. Lighter: (Lights the Third Candle) We light the third candle and lift up the song of Joy sung in this church and in communities of faith all around the world. The Christmas Fund sends Christmas gift checks that bring joy to retired clergy and lay workers – this year more than 30 of whom are one hundred years old or older.

The Candle of Love Lighter: We light the fourth candle and lift up the great chorus of Love from every voice in the holy procession of faith and witness. Reader 2: We light the fourth candle and lift up the great chorus of Love from every voice in the holy procession of faith and witness. Lighter: (Lights the First Candle and Second Candle) Both active and retired clergy and lay employees experience love as emergency assistance in time of need from the Christmas Fund.

“Be not afraid!” Gabriel told Mary. Joseph heard it in his dream. The angel choir comforted the shepherds and sent them to Bethlehem. We are not afraid to light the Christ Candle in our church and invite it to shine in our lives! Through us the story is lit and lifted and now it can be lived. Reader 1: “Be not afraid!” Gabriel told Mary. Joseph heard it in his dream. The angel choir comforted the shepherds and sent them to Bethlehem. We are not afraid to light the Christ Candle in our church and invite it to shine in our lives! Through us this night (this morning) the story is lit and lifted and now it can be lived.

The Christ Candle Lighter: Lights the Christ Candle

(Let us pray) Emmanuel, God-with-us most of all today, your light lifts up our hearts, our spirits, and our voices. We give you thanks for your birth long ago and presence with us always. Your hope is more trustworthy than our promises. Your peace is deeper than our prayers. Your joy teaches us to sing even when we want to cry. Your love is wider than the chorus of the galaxies, and yet your Star shines on us now in this church which has become a manger. Amen. Reader 2: (Let us pray) Emmanuel, God-with-us most of all tonight (this morning), your light lifts up our hearts, our spirits, and our voices. We give you thanks for your birth long ago and presence with us always. Your hope is more trustworthy than our promises. Your peace is deeper than our prayers. Your joy teaches us to sing even when we want to cry. Your love is wider than the chorus of the galaxies, and yet your Star shines on us now in this church which has become a manger. Amen.