Born into poverty, a refugee child, he came to be one with the naked and needy..

Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy

“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from 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

Designed for churches that want to encourage a faith filled Christmas celebration, with less “stuff.”

• Uses the lectionary readings for year C, but works just as well for any year!

• Provides each week a short, true story from Village of Love, told in the first person, that can be read or acted, together with a candle lighting prayer.

• Offers bulletin notices each week to encourage giving gifts of hope, peace, joy and love.

Feel free to adapt and use this liturgy for your own purposes, substitute or add in other causes. Please acknowledge the source of the stories as:  www.villageoflovecanada.org.

For sample Village of Love bulletin notices, click  BULLETIN NOTICES

Perhaps your church is looking for a small mission that will grab the hearts of your people. You can send a child to school in 2015. See CHURCH SPONSORSHIP 2015.

Village of Love welcomes visitors and youth trips from any country!

ADVENT 1   The Candle of Hope

Luke 21: 25 - 28

“Sisters to share the load.”

When we know that someone cares, we have hope.

ADVENT 2    The Candle of Peace

Luke 1: 46-55

“By God’s grace you get to run the marathon!”

Peace comes through belonging and education.

ADVENT 3    The Candle of Joy

Luke 3: 7-14

“No laughter on empty bellies.”

Joy comes through having enough.

ADVENT 4    The Candle of Love

Luke 3: 3-6

“Four years old and caring for her grandmother.”

We love because we have first been loved. Love begets love.

CHRISTMAS   The Christ Candle

 Luke 2: 8-14

“Mama, take me home with you.”

When we receive God’s little ones, we receive God.