2016 Advent Wreath Meditations — Year A, Christmas Eve

This set of brief meditations and scripture may be used in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath in worship at church or home. Each meditation uses one of the 2016 lectionary readings for that day. The readings are divided into sections that can be assigned to various persons participating, including children. Choose from among the hymn options to conclude each meditation. Permission is granted to download, copy, adapt, edit, and reprint for home or local church worship with the inclusion of the copyright citation on each copy.

Christmas Eve (December 24, 2016)

Advent. Arrival. Appearance. Return. With Christmas, hope, anticipation, joy, and wholeness find their place in the coming of Jesus. It is in this time of arrival that we encounter a reading from the Book of Isaiah on Christmas Eve.

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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.

One: The word of the Lord.
ALL: Thanks be to God.

[Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles.]

How perfect it is that God would send a child to lead us. The voice of God was heard in the cries of a baby, and that sound reminds us that God cared for us enough to be with us, to save us from the powers of death and destruction, and end our journey in darkness. We light this candle knowing that Jesus is born, and Love has come to earth.

[Light the Christ candle.]

One: And so we offer this mysterious prayer:
ALL: Lord Jesus, quickly come.

SUNG RESPONSE: “Love Has Come” Worship & Song, No. 3059

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