Week 1 – Nov. 27, 2016:

Verse one of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We are beset upon on all sides
And seek deliverance from evil.

We are cowed by political and societal pressure
And seek the strength to proclaim your reign.

God of Daniel, open our eyes to see your Kingdom breaking into our own. Strengthen our trust in your promises and help us to locate our hope in you. May the light of this candle be for us the light of the sunrise breaking into our dens of lions, our dens of fear and anxiety, our dens of darkness and death. And may we, who have see your light in the darkness, proclaim the hope we have in you to this weary world. Amen.

Week 2 – Dec. 4, 2016:

Verse two of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We turn to the Lord with weeping and mourning
As we see our brokenness and the brokenness around us.

We look  to you for graciousness and abundant love, O Lord
Since we cannot find it in ourselves or in our world.

God of Joel, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and lead us to our true home, your Kingdom. Broaden our love and show us your presence even in surprising places. May the light of this candle show us your dreams and visions that we may boldly proclaim your mercy and love. Amen.

Week 3 – Dec. 11, 2016:

Verse three of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We look for the year of our Lord’s favor when justice and peace will prevail
Knowing that too often we do not act as your anointed people.

We await the shoots of righteousness and praise to spring forth
Trusting that you turn our barrenness into abundance.

God of Isaiah, cover us in your righteousness and bless us to be blessings to others. Magnify our praise that we may display your glory and proclaim your good news. May the light of this candle illumine the dark places of our lives and show us how you bring restoration to ruins and wholeness to devastation. Amen.

Week 4 – Dec. 18, 2016:

Verse four of “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” (ELW #240)

We walk in darkness
And look for the coming light.

We await the glorious news of Emmanuel, God-with-us
The one who will turn the world upside down and God-side up.

We marvel at your graciousness, God Most High
Seeing your Holiness clothed in humanness.

God of Mary and Elizabeth, fill us with joy at the news of your coming in Jesus. Deepen our faith in your ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. May the light of this candle comfort us with the knowledge that your light banishes the darkness and that your light dwells with us and in us. Amen.