Litany for Lighting The Advent Candle

Meaning of the Season: The word Advent comes from the Latin word for coming. The Advent season focuses on Christ's threefold coming -- past, present, and future. First, we remember the Lord's humble first coming in Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Second, we give thanks for His present and continual coming to us through Word and Sacrament. Finally, we look forward with hope and longing to His second coming in glory to judge the living and the dead on the Last Day. On each of the four Sundays in Advent we traditionally focus one of four words that are core to our Christian faith: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Candle Lighting Two weeks ago we lit the candle of Hope (light first candle) Last week we lit the candle of Peace (light second candle) Today we light the candle of Joy (light the pink candle) Responsive Reading: Leader: And Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. Luke 1:46-48a People: Leader: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me holy is his name. Luke 1:48b-49 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. Luke 1:50

People: Leader:

People: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3 Leader: He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:51-53

People: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

Unison Prayer:

God, we are used to thinking of you in solemn ways, but you are also a God of joy. At creation you pronounced with pride and joy that what you had done was good, very good. At the birth of Christ you sent your angels with a message of joy, Do not be afraid for I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. When the Christchild, yet in Marys womb, heard the voice of Elizabeth, he lept with joy. Even as he shared his last supper in the upper room with his disciples Christ said, If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Fathers commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. You are a God of Joy and one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy. Help us, in troubled times, to keep our joy, not because of our situation but because of you, our Lord and Savior. Help us to be a people of joy who bring joy to the world. Song of Praise: Ive got hope like an anchor, Ive got hope like an anchor. Ive got hope like an anchor in my soul. Ive got hope like an anchor, Ive got hope like an anchor. Ive got hope like an anchor in my soul. Ive got peace like river Ive got joy like a fountain Ive got love like an ocean