A special feature of advent is the lighting of the Advent Candle by different families and/or individuals from our church family, during the worship service each Sunday in Advent and on Christmas Eve.

SERVICE FOR FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Candle-Lighting Ceremony:  Relight the first, second, and third candles and say, ‘The first candle reminds us of the hopes of the prophets, the second of the humble birth in Bethlehem, and the third of the wonder of the shepherds.  The fourth candle reminds us of the Wisemen who came to Jesus guided by a special star.

Scripture:  ‘The Story of the Wisemen’   Matthew 2:1-2;9-11

Comment:  The Wisemen were not Jews.  Yet when the Messiah that God promised was born, they knew the Good News was for them, too!  Guided by a star, they traveled many miles to find the baby King.  They brought Jesus costly treasures because they wanted their gifts to be very special.  They were not too proud to come to the humble stable, worship the new King, and bring him their very best.

Prayer:  Help us, O God, to bring our very best to you.  Help us to see you in the many wonderful surprises that come to us.  Let us be sure there is room for unexpected joy as we learn about Jesus and what he can teach us about You. Amen.