First Sunday Of Advent

First Sunday Of Advent 
Light the candle and read from the OT prophet Isaiah

     The people who walked in darkness
        have seen a great light;
    those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
        on them has light shone.
    You have multiplied the nation;
        you have increased its joy;
    they rejoice before you
        as with joy at the harvest,
        as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
    For the yoke of his burden,
        and the staff for his shoulder,
        the rod of his oppressor,
        you have broken as on the day of Midian.
    For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
        and every garment rolled in blood
        will be burned as fuel for the fire.
    For to us a child is born,
        to us a son is given;
    and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
        and his name shall be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
        Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
    Of the increase of his government and of peace
        there will be no end,
    on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
        to establish it and to uphold it
    with justice and with righteousness
        from this time forth and forevermore.
    The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
(Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV)

Interpretation
This evening we light our first candle. The light of the flame symbolizes the illumination of Jesus Christ in our lives.

The disciple John tells us: Jesus Christ is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

This Christmas season, let the light of Jesus Christ shine out of darkness, let his light shine in our hearts so that we may have the knowledge of the glory of God.

(Pray)

Prayer -
Gracious Lord. May your mighty blessings be upon all of us this Christmas season.
May your light shine upon our lives removing the darkness about us.
May the joyful good news of Jesus and his coming change our lives and give us hope for when he comes again in power.
Amen.