THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
The Advent wreath is a circle with no beginning and
no end. It is a symbol of endless love and faithfulness. Out of darkness light shines,
pointing us in hope to the One who came to overcome the darkness of this world
and to be our light in the world to come.
Three weeks ago we lit the Prophecy candle and
remembered those who first spoke the promise of the coming Christ child. [Light
the blue candle that was lit three weeks ago.]
Two weeks ago we lit the Bethlehem candle, a symbol
of the preparations being made to receive and cradle the Christ child. [Light
the blue candle that was lit two weeks ago.]
Last week we lit the Shepherds' candle, remembering
the first in a long line of people who joyfully shared the good news of the
Savior's birth. [Light the pink candle.]
The fourth candle on the Advent wreath is called
the Angels' candle. It reminds us of the hope fulfilled in the first coming of
our Savior and of our continuing hope as we anticipate his coming again. [Light the last blue candle]
Four candles, burning bright, Chasing away the
darkness with light.
Four candles, glowing bright, The blessing of God,
giving new sight.
Psalm 24 extols God as the great Lord who founded the earth and whose victorious rule governs history. The earth is the Lord's. He is the King of glory.
Scripture: Psalm 24
The
earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[b]
2 for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.[b]
Prayer
Dear strong and mighty God, by the power of the Spirit who created the earth and everything in it, create in us pure hearts and renew within us steadfast spirits that the hope fulfilled in Bethlehem may more and more permeate our lives until we share fully in your glory. In the name of the King who comes and comes again we pray. Amen.
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