Advent Candles 

Advent Prayer: Birth of God’s Son link

Heavenly Father,
you sent your messengers
to tell of the birth of your Son,
that people might believe in him.
Open our ears to hear your call,
to repent of our sins,
and to seek our heavenly inheritance.
May we profess Christ until we stand by his grace
before the glory of your majesty;
Grant this for the sake of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Advent Prayer- Henri J.M. Nouwen

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’
Amen.

‘Sarum Rite, eleventh century

O Lord,
look mercifully on us,
and grant that we may choose the way of peace.
Rescue us from the captivity of the sins which have oppressed us,
that we may attain the dwellings of the heavenly Jerusalem;
through Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Luke 2:8-14 NIV

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;
he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Benediction: Epiphany Solemn Blessing link

God has called you out of darkness,
into his wonderful light.
May you experience his kindness and blessings,
and be strong in faith, in hope, and in love.
because you are followers of Christ,
who appeared on this day as a light shining in darkness,
may he make you a light to all your sisters and brothers.
The wise men followed the star,
and found Christ who is light from light.
May you too find the Lord
when your pilgrimage is ended.
Amen