The following liturgy was compiled for the lighting of the Advent Wreath on Christmas Eve. The first part comes at or near the beginning of the service. The second part comes near the end of the service. – Lisa <><

The special property of a flame is that it can kindle another without being diminished. Proverbs teaches that the soul of a person is G-d’s candle. So today – ignite another soul with a word, a message, a look, a touch. You will not be lessened, but enhanced. Move toward the new year with more light. -Rabbi Wolpe

Lighting the Advent Wreath
Part One
READER ONE:
A reading from the prophet Isaiah concerning Jesus the Messiah:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.

A candle is lit as each name for the Messiah is read:
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 NRSV)

READER TWO
We welcome you O Christ, Light of the World,
Open our hearts and minds to worship you in spirit and in truth.

Consider following this with a Christmas Carol

Part Two
READER ONE OR PASTOR
For weeks we’ve been lighting more and more candles on this wreath in preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Tonight we light the final candle, the Christ candle, for Jesus, the Light of the World, has come. God has kept the prophetic promise:

READER TWO
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)

ONE SINGING
Consider using an acapella soloist singing the first verse of I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (United Methodist Hymnal #206, verse 1). Light the Christ Candle during the song

READER ONE OR PASTOR
It’s now our turn. Accept the Light, share the Light, carry the Light as you go forth from this place

The light is passed from person to person as all sing Silent Night (United Methodist Hymnal #239). At the close of Silent Night, sing the following a cappella
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday dear Jesus
Happy Birthday to You

Follow this with the closing Benediction and/or Postlude

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Christmas Eve Advent Wreath Liturgy © 2011 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution. Please leave a comment for information and permission to publish this work in any form.