Tag: Advent Candles

Advent Candles, Narrative Lectionary & RCL, Blue Christmas, Advent Hymns to Christmas Tunes Other Useful Links

Advent Candles

Feel free to use/adapt/share with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta aka “Katyandtheword”

Week 1

God of Hope you Sustain us
Even when the world is on fire
We walk with you, and hear your voice
We walk with you, and follow your voice
We hope for a better world, in the meantime, send angels, messengers with your voice
Walk with us, Fill us with the courage to walk with one another
Even the world feels on fire
Fill us with Hope

Possible Advent Hymns: Open my Eyes that I May See, Live Into Hope, Taize: Bless the Lord My Soul

Week 2

God of Peace you sustain us
When we do not know the answer, you wait with us
When we are full of questions, You accept our ponderings
Help us to imagine a world of peace
Breathe on us your Holy Spirit, so that we can live into your Kin(g)dom

Fill us with Peace

Possible Advent Hymns: God of Peace, Comfort, Comfort You My People Taize: Nada The Turbe, God of Peace (to the tune of Silent Night)

Week 3
God of Joy, you quench us
You promise fulfillment in all the ways
God you know that joy is more than happiness, it is shalom, being complete
It is abundant gardens, full stomaches, justice and equity for all
We rejoice that you are a God who answers when we call,
Fill us with Joy

Possible Advent Hymn: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (which could be an advent one), Taize, The Kingdom of God

Week 4

God of Love you accept us
You embody community and belovedness, one with the dark and the light.
You cloaked in mystery, and yet contain all knowledge 
You are one, yet many
You are love, and teach us belovedness
Fill us with Love 

Possible Advent Hymn: Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go, Taize: Magnificat 

RCL Advent Candles: Primarily Based on Isaiah: Theme God the Gardener

Week 1

God you plant the seeds of hope 
God’s house will be the place for all people
Laying the groundwork for peace, joy and love
All Peoples shall stream to God’s mountain
Hoping to Learn from God
We hope together

Week 2

God, the seeds of peace are shooting out of the stump of Jesse
Equity is growing, so that the wild animal and the tame shall live together
Shalom shall grow, such peace, that all children shall be safe
None shall harm on God’s holy mountain
Peace will be pursued
We seek peace together

Week 3

God will nourish the land, so that the land itself will blossoms of joy. 
All will know God’s glory, weak hands will be made strong.
Say to those with a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear, Here is your God.”
We will rejoice in the healing of God, no traveller will be harmed by wild animals
All shall safely and joyfully be able to go our merry way
We can rejoice together

Week 4
God’s Divine love will continue through the gift of a child, Immanuel
God tends to the garden of the world by giving us Godself
God with us, a child, Love embodied
God loves us
We are beloved
We can be loved together 

Feel free to use/adapt/share with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta aka “Katyandtheword”

More Advent Hymns to Christmas Tunes

Blue Christmas

Magnificat Prayer collection (so far)

We 3 Kings: alternative Version

If you want a doc version of this email KatyandtheWord at gmail Title ADVENT candles (specify RCL or Narrative) and I will email you a document for easier formatting

With gratitude for all who supported My D.Min. degree

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Narrative Lectionary, Advent 3

Tidings of Comfort and Joy Advent 

Feel free to use/share/adapt with attribution to Pastor Katy Stenta aka “KatyandtheWord”
For a doc version for easy formatting email Katyandtheword at Gmail and title the email “Advent”

Included: Breath Prayers, Call to Worship (either of which could can be used for Candle Liturgy), Candles, Two Song verse options for Candle Lighting, Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Pardon
Additional Psalm Option


Hope: When the Lions Come at Night
Daniel 6:6-27
Luke 23:1-5
Psalm 57 all or v. 4-10 

Breath Prayer

Breathe in: Holy Spirit we need you
Breathe out: comfort us

Call to Worship (Based on Psalm 57)
In God my soul takes refuge my soul takes refuge and comfort, God is my hope.
God will send forth steadfast love and faithfulness.
Even if I lie down among lions, with teeth as sharp as spears, and tongues like sharp spears, my heart is steadfast and I will sing and make melody.
I know I will awake at God.
My hope is in God, for your steadfast love is high as the heavens, and your faithfulness extends to the clouds
Come let awaken our souls to God in song.

Advent Candle: Hope
Hope of the World, we light this candle because we feel like we are surrounded by Lions
Hope of the World Comfort us
Hope of the World, we light this candle, because we are an apocalyptic people, overwhelmed with too many uncovering of knowledge
Hope of the World Comfort us
Hope of the World, we light this candle, because we await the moment that Justice reigns, and your truth is magnified
Hope of the World, Comfort us

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that we do not always understand hope. Is its meant to inspire us? Or to comfort us? Awaken us to the condition of the world? Too often we feel too surrounded by Lions to hope in these apocalyptic times. Teach us how to understand hope as promise that you give balanced against our responsibility to act, and give us the tools we need to walk with Jesus along the way we pray. Amen

Assurance of Pardon: Hear the Good news, Jesus is our Hope, so we do not have to hope alone. So know the Good news and proclaim it to one another: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen

(Verse 1) God rest you merry, gentlemen/folk
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Another Optional Hymn verse 1 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Magnificat (less political, substitutionary atonement version) https://katyandtheword.com/2023/11/08/o-come-o-come-emmanuel-magnificat-version/

Peace: Binding up the Brokenhearted
Joel 2:12-13, 28-29
Luke 11:(9-12) 13
Psalm 147:1-6 (7-11)

Breath Prayer
Breathe in: God you are peace
Breathe out: Bind our brokenhearted

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 147)
God you are Good, you build us up as community
God binds up our wounds: caring for us, healing our brokenhearts
Great is our God, powerful, because God sows peace and mercy
We recognize our God, because our God is the one lifting up the downtrodden, and knowing everything by name from the farthest star, to every person from the mighty to the meek.
Let us sing to the Divine who grants Peace
Come let us sing to God’s steadfast love

Advent Candle: Peace
Purveyor of Peace, we pray for the day that we shall learn war no more
We are seeing visions and dream dreams of peace together
We feel in our bones, that we need peace. We light this candle because we are hungering for it.
God, we will envision peace together
Purveyor of Peace, we light this candle because we know peace is your way, and you will bind our brokenhearts to make it possible.
God, we will envision peace together

Prayer of Confession: Divine One, at times it feels like the world is full of war and brokenness. Peace seems impossible. Comfort us, teach us to be peacemakers, so that we can catch glimpses of your kin(g)dom, we pray. And remind us that we are not doing this work alone. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon. Hear the good news, the Prince of Peace is coming. It is promised. Let us proclaim the the truth in our hearts: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Magnificat Version V. 3 or V. 7 (or Both)  https://katyandtheword.com/2023/11/08/o-come-o-come-emmanuel-magnificat-version/

(Verse 7) Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood/siblinghood/Kindomhood 
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Joy: Comfort and Joy
Isaiah 61:1-11
Luke 4:16-21 
Alt. Isaiah 40:1-8 
Psalm 27: 13-14 

Breath Prayer
Breathe in: Comfort your people
Breathe Out: God teach us Comfort and Joy

Call to Worship (based on Psalm 27)
God is our stronghold
With God as our comfort and salvation, who shall we fear?
God who comes out of the holy creative darkness
You come and show us the way, so we are not afraid
You shelter us under your wings, and comfort us
Come, let us rejoice with God that Jesus is coming.

Advent Candle: Joy
Holy Comforter, speak tenderly to us, so that we have the seeds of joy planted in us.
Holy Comforter, Send your Spirit of Joy to us.
We light this candle so that you can teach us joy
Holy Comforter, Send Your Spirit of joy to us
Send your Spirit to us, Prepare the way for us, light the candle with us.

Holy Comforter, Send Your Spirit of joy to us

Prayer of Confession: God, I confess it is hard to feel joyful when I feel afraid. I sometimes feel like I want to hide under the covers, or turn off the news, or quit. Please send us your Holy Spirit, Shelter us under your wings, and teach us where to find joy, so that we can remember that you are walking with us. Give us threads of joy even in the long waiting season of Advent we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: God is with us, even as we wait, understanding us, loving us and comforting us. Thus we know the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen.

(Verse 3) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Another Optional Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel Magnificat Version verse 5 https://katyandtheword.com/2023/11/08/o-come-o-come-emmanuel-magnificat-version/

Week 4 Love: Love: Fear Not, Love’s comfort and empowering work

Luke 1:26-45 [46-56]
Psalm 113 
Psalm 27:1-4

Call to Worship
Give Thanks to the Lord
God’s Love endures Forever
God is Divine always
They have made a Covenant with all the World
They have made the sun, the moon the stars, and all the earth
God’s steadfast Love endures forever
We can tell stories of God’s love, and who God is, and still not fully understand God’s love
Come Let us sing of God’s love together.

Advent Candle: Love
God shows God’s love and favor by being with us
Divine Love, Be with us now
We light this candle remembering God’s promise to be with us, Sending Jesus as that promise.
Divine Love, Be with us now
Beloved God, we long to magnify your promises, for they are full of love, so we light a candle of love together.

Divine Love, Be with us now

Prayer of Confession: God we confess that Love is a struggle. It takes work to love humans. It is not an easy thing to practice. Help us to lean into our own belovedness, when I struggle imperfections—my own or others. God we desperately need to remember that you are love. Help us with that we pray.

Assurance of Pardon: Hear the Good News, God loves us. We can sink into God’s love, and thus we can say with confidence the echo of God’s promise to us: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Amen

(Verse 4) God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

“Fear not then,” said the Angel,
“Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Another Optional Hymn verse 4 or 6 (or Both) O Come, O Come Emmanuel Magnificat Version https://katyandtheword.com/2023/11/08/o-come-o-come-emmanuel-magnificat-version/

Full Directory of Advent and Christmas Resources Here

Feel free to use/share/adapt with attribution to Pastor Katy Stenta aka “KatyandtheWord”
For a doc version for easy formatting email Katyandtheword at Gmail and title the email “Advent”

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Advent Candles RCL Year B

Week 1

Mark 13:24-37
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80
1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Hope
Our Hope lies in the Lord
The waiting seems long, but we wait together
God you shape us into your people
Prepare our hearts for Hope
Uncover hope, Holy Spirit
Stir the Hope in us Today

Hymn Suggestions: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, Taize: Wait for the Lord (Taize could be done throughout the candle lighting liturgy)

Week 2:

Mark 1:1-8
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a

Love
We are preparing for the Love of the Lord
We are all baptized with the same water
God speaks tender words of love to us
Comfort, Comfort my people. The way will be made clear
Every mountain and hill be low, and even ground shall be made even, when all is eased and leveled, then the glory of God shall be revealed in love.
Uncover the love of God in us Today.

Hymn Suggestions: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Taize: Prepare the Way of the Lord, There is One Lord (Taize could be done throughout the candle lighting liturgy)

Week 3

John 1:6-8, 19-28
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Joy
Let us shout with Joy about the coming of the Lord
Our God is the God of restoration
God promises to turn tears into joy, protect the weak, and overturn the structures of injustice
Preparing for Jesus, means preparing for power structures to be turned upside-down
Mary shouted with joy in the Magnificat, that true justice will come
Let joy unfold from God in us today.

Hymn Suggestions: Taize: in the Lord I’ll be ever Thankful, (Taize could be done throughout the candle lighting liturgy)

Week 4
Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14

Peace
Let us come together, for God is calling us towards peace
God promises us that Jesus will be named Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace
And even angels will sing of God’s peace
Let the Glory of Peace spill out Today.

Hymn Suggestions: Away in a Manger, Taize: Song of Simeon, Laudates Omnes Gentes (Peace on all the Earth)

For more ideas check out Advent Resources page

Advent Candles Narrative Lectionary Year 2

Promise of the Messiah
Hope
Jeremiah 33:[10-11], 14-18
Mark 8:27-29

Jesus there is hope in every promise of peace
Holy Spirit there is hope in every act of love
God there is hope in every shout of joy
Here, we light this candle, reaching for hope
We hear the promise, and reach for it, even when we cannot believe it
Plant the seeds of Jesse, to grow here today, we pray.

Taize Option (always fun to sing during the whole candle liturgy)

Hymn Options: O Come, O Come Emmanuel or Rewritten Version, Taize : Nada the turbo, Wait for the Lord

Isaiah of the Exile
Love
Isaiah 40:1-11
Mark 1:1-4

Jesus, you clear to way for love
Holy Spirit, you make the path, even when the way seems rocky
I lift mine eyes to the hills, from where my help comes, my help comes from the Lord my God, who loves me as God’s own Beloved.
We hear the promise, and reach for it, even when we cannot believe it.
Come, let us Prepare the way of the Lord
Come, let us light the path together, with love.

Taize Option (always fun to sing during the whole candle liturgy)

Hymns: Magnify the Lord (to the Tune of O Come All Ye Faithful), It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (an Advent Song In My Opinion), Taize Option: Bless the Lord or Magnificat

Rebuilding the Temple
Joy
Ezra 1:1-4; 3:1-4, 10:13
Luke 2:25-32

Jesus, you will rebuild the world into your kindom
Holy Spirit, the waiting is hard
God cradle us in your arms, for we feel like we are not yet ready for the joy of Christmas.
We hear the promise, and reach for it, even when we cannot believe it.
God we long for your child of promise
We light the way, awaiting your joy to the world.

Taize Option (always fun to sing during the whole candle liturgy)

Hymn Options : God the Weaver (to the Tune of Away in the the Manger), Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Zechariah’s Song
Peace
Luke 1:5-13 [14-25], 57-80
Psalm 113

Jesus there is the peace of quiet, and then there is the peace of dreams fulfilled
Holy Spirit, fill our souls with peace
God we long for the song Zechariah to make our hearts ready for Jesus
We hear the promise, and reach for it, even when we cannot believe it.
Fill us with what we need, so that we can be a people of peace
Let us light the candle, and prepare for the Prince of Peace

Taize Option (always fun to sing during the whole candle liturgy)

Hymn Options: God of Peace (to the Tune of Silent Night), Still Still Still, Taize Option: Laudate Dominum, Wait for the Lord

Advent Candle Liturgy Writing Workshop

Want some help Getting ready for Advent?

Write an Advent Wreath Liturgy in a small personalized environment

Limit 10 people per workshop

his Zoom Workshop is designed for all levels and experiences for people to engage in prayer writing–using the scripture as your guide. This will be an instructional, small group (limit 10) and experiential workshop.

Mon Nov 27th 6-8pm (Eastern) $50 Per Person Tues Dec 5th 12:30-2:30pm

(As Advent will have already started, Katy will have an Advent Candle Liturgy for use, she will send you)

Led by Katy Stenta, Pastor, Writer and Educator

For more information to sign up, email Katyandtheword at gmail.com. Titled “Liturgy”

Katy Stenta is a regular contributor to Sermonsuite, (formerly) RevGalBlogPals, and is published in Enfleshed, Presbyterian’s Today and Outlook. She received her undergraduate in English and History and Minor on Philosophy at Oberlin, her M. Div. and MA in Christian Formation at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is currently pursuing her D. Min. in Creative Writing as a Public Theologian at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She also writes personal prayers regularly at katyandtheword.com.

(Min. 3 People to run)

Dec 4th Love and Justice

Justice, Mercy & Light Extended Advent

Dec. 4
Esther Love Candle
Esther 4:1-17
For Such a Time as This, Esther was Made Queen
Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and Light 
Psalm 89:1-13

Advent Candles Liturgy

Topical Prayer: Love, A Prayer for Such a Time as This

Call to Worship
God we need your justice
For such a time as this to light our way
When salt and light is not enough, Jesus we need you
Come, let us look for God
God we are looking for your love
Come, let us love God together

Call to Confession: God you call to your love in the good and the bad times. Come let ourselves to God

Prayer of Confession: God, we confess that it is hard to come to you in uncertain times. How can anything be worthy of love at such a time as this? Who can sort out there feelings in this mess? We want time, to clean up, to get things in order, to research, to know things. God, you remind us that you are the city on the hill, not us. You are the salt in our food, not us. Be our salt and light, and remind us that we are allowed to be a mess and still love we pray. Amen

Assurance of Pardon: Jesus comes in the midst of emergencies, full of grace, so we know the truth: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven, right now. Amen. 

Prayer of the Day, Dedication: God, remind us the Grace does not wait, because we need its immediacy. Let us go forth full of grace we pray. Let it spill from our hands, our mouths and feet as we go, so that we may become the very embodiment of your love. May this be our prayer as we go about the world. Amen.

Hymns: We Are One In the Spirit, Here I am Lord, O Come O Come Emmanuel, I Love the Lord Who Heard My Cry, I Wonder as I Wander, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

With Children: Warm Fuzzies https://reenchantements.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/warm-fuzzy-tale.pdf Sharing Love vs. Hate in times of Trial
I feel its very important to note that we call Dandelion fuzz: Wishies in my family and also link “warm fuzzies” to dandelion seeds

Image

Please Support my Writing, I am Funding some of my Doctorate in Creative Writing as a Public Theologianthrough donations https://gofund.me/554d36e3 Thank you to all those who have donated, I have successfully completed 2 years thanks to your support.

Full Extended Advent Resource

Advent Candles Year 1 Narrative Lectionary

All Artwork by Katy Stenta on Canvas, feel free to use

Blue Christmas/Longest Night Comfort Candle Suggested: Liturgy Guide

Nov 27 Hope Candle
Faith as a Way of Life
Habakkuk 1:1-7; 2:1-4 3: [3B-6], 17-19 
Prophet grieved by injustice: Faith as a way, not an answer
Matt 26: 36-38 Gethsemane Jesus is grieved, asks Disciples to watch
Hope

God, what does hope taste like?
Does it taste like clear cool water after a faithful run
God says, faith is a path. 
God light our path with Hope
Help us tp the light the Hope candle
So we might find your justice, mercy and light. 

Suggested Hymn V. 1 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence or V. 1 O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Dec. 4
Esther Love Candle
Esther 4:1-17
For Such a Time as This, Esther was Made Queen

Salt and Light 

Too often we feel in our souls the meaning of for such a time as this!
We need love candles, to light our way.
God sends the Esthers, to love us in terrible times.
God light our path with Love
Help us to light the Love candle 
So we might find your justice, mercy and light. 

Suggested Hymn V. 2 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence or V. 3 O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Dec 11 Joy Candle
Light of Nations
Isaiah 42:1-9 Through Spirit bring Release to Prisoners
Matthew 12:15-21 Spirit of justice, fulfilling the prophecy

Light of Nations, how we desire you
We long for the taste of freedom
God sends the Holy Spirit to free all prisoners
God light the path to freedom with Joy
Help us to light the Joy candle
So we might find your justice, mercy and light.

Suggested Hymn V. 3 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence or V. 2 O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Dec 18th  Peace Candle
Jesus as Immanuel 
Matthew 1:18-25
fPsalm 23:14

Holy Spirit, we cannot even fully conceive your peace
But how we need the fullness of God’s Shalom in our souls
God be with us, our Emmanuel, tell us the story until it lives in us
God light our path to Peace
Help us to light the Peace candle
So we might find your justice, mercy and light.

Suggested Hymn V. 4 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence or V. 1 O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Dec 24 Christ Candle
Birth of Jesus 
Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
Psalm 96 (10-13)
God, you are coming to us in Christ
We long to fill your presence here
God what a miracle you become, a baby
a human translation of God’s love
Come let us welcome Christ
Come let us find you in justice, mercy and light

Suggested Hymn It Came Upon A Midnight Clear or O Holy Night

 

Feel free to use/adapt/share with credit to Pastor Katy Stenta

If you enjoy my work please consider giving to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing https://gofund.me/554d36e3

Advent Candles Year 4 Narrative Lectionary

Advent Candle Suggestion: In our Church we do Candles as our Children’s Time, We have our small collection of children light the candles youngest to eldest (whoever is there), those who haven’t gone go first. It is impromptu, not planned. It saves on having to schedule and ensures that the candles are lit and we spend children’s time explaining the meaning of the candle and how it relates the story of the week. If you don’t have children, I bet you could do this with your deacons as well.

Week 1: Hope/Prophesy

God you whisper to us, when we dare not hope suggesting to us the impossible

Mortal do you think these bones can live?

God it is in your multitude of knowledge, that we say the answer back to you, you know

Speak hope to the bones

We will speak hope together

Come let us speak the hope of the Holy Spirit today, and Live!

Lighting Hymns: Live Into Hope, Taize: Bless the Lord my Soul, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (v. 1)

Week 2: Peace/Purpose

God promises that all those who thirsts will drink, all those who hunger will be fed

Come, the banquet is set, all are invited

Truly peace shall reign, for everyone shall have enough

Come, and listen, so that you may live. I will make you an everlasting covenant

Who wants to taste and See the Lord?

Come, let us practice this peace today and everyday

Lighting Hymns: Comfort Comfort You My People, Taize Nada the Turbe, O Come O Come Emmanuel v. 3, God of Peace (to the tune of Silent Night)

Week 3: Joy/God’s Word

God we are ready for your Word

The Word was with God, and the Word was God

Your joy shines through troubles, more than just happiness, God’s Word is life sustaining Joy!

All things come to being through God, and without God not one thing came into being.

Each of us have a spark of that joy within us!

Come let us renew our joy with God!

Hymns: O Come O Come Emmanuel v. 2, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 2 & 3, Joy to the World Taize: The Kingdom of God, O Come All Ye Faithful

Week 4: Love/Good News

Hymns: The First Nowell, What Child is This

God we are thankful you unleashed your love into the world

Good News has come

There is nothing like the love of God

Filling the world with good news

Reminding us that hope, joy and peace are possible, fulfilling the promises of the covenant

Come let us whisper that God is coming soon!

Hymn Suggestions: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 1 & 4, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus v 3 & 4, O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go, Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Taize: Magnificat

Christmas

All is well, Christ is here

Hear the Good News of Great Joy.

Christ has come, the baby is here!

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Guardian, the Heir of Peace!

Come let us worship the Lord

Glory to God, One Earth Peace, and Goodwill towards humankind!

More Advent Resources: Year 4

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

Narrative Lectionary: Advent Year 4

Note: I have altered the readings, no you are not reading them wrong

If you need doc versions feel free to email me at Katyandtheword at gmail

Calendar: Full of Justice: A Radical Advent Calendar for Narrative Lectionary!

The Fullness of God/Fulfilled By God

Virtual Blue/Longest Night Worship

Topical Prayers

Empty Advent Prayer

Comfort My People Prayer

All I Want Magnificat Prayer

Thread of Pink: Joy in the Midst of Sorrow Prayer

Advent Comfort Candle Prayer

Christmas Prayer: What is Sacred

Kit: Advent Devotional Kit

Advent Candles: Candle Lighting 4 Weeks

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

12 Days of Christmas Full Bulletin by Rev Dr Barb Hedges-Goettl Based on the work by the Young Clergy Women International

Liturgy: If you need doc versions feel free to email me at Katyandtheword at gmail

Week 1: Full of Prophesy/Life Nov 28 Ezekiel Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel 37:1-15

John 11:25-26

Week 2: Full of Purpose Dec 5 Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose

Isaiah 55:1-13

John 4:13-14

Week 3: Full of God’s Word Dec 12 Word Made Flesh

John 1:1-18

Psalm 130:5-8

Week 4: Full of Good News Dec 19 Good News!

Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]

Psalm 96:7-10

December 25 Shepherds Visit Christmas Eve Carols & Readings

Luke 2:8-20

Psalm 123: 1-2 or

12 Days of Christmas Full Bulletin by Rev Dr Barb Hedges-Goettl Based on the work by the Young Clergy Women International

If you find these resources useful please consider contributing to my Doctorate in Ministry in Creative Writing!

Seeds of Prayer: Extended Advent Candle Liturgy (with two additional/optional candles

Please Share/Adapt with Credit to Katy Stenta and Please contribute to my Doctorate of Ministry with a Donation. I have PayPal https://paypal.me/KatyStenta?locale.x=en_US Venmo www.venmo.com/Katy-Stenta or Google Pay to Katyandtheword at gmail

About Me: My Story & My Writing

If you would like a word copy of this document (which is probably easier to format) just email katyandtheword at gmail with the subject line advent and I will be happy to send you a copy

Promise, Thanksgiving, Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, Christ

Nov 22, 2020 Promise Candle: 

Lord God we give thanks for your covenant

We are thankful that you promise to come again

Just as God freed the Hebrews from Egypt

We remember how faithful God was to Abraham and Sarah, 

Moses and Miriam, and Hannah and Eli

Come let us know God, through God’s promises

We live into your promises, Loving God

Light the Promise Candle

God, we are thankful that every year

You fulfill your promise and become particularly present

every Sunday, every prayer, every gathering in your name,

You are there. You show your love in baptism and communion,

and you reveal your presence through advent and Christmas.

Help us to live into your promises,

every time we wait for Jesus,

we pray. Amen.

Optional Hymns: Great is Thy Faithfulness, Be Thou My Vision, God of the Sparrow, God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Nov 29, 2020 Thanksgiving Candle:

Lord we give thanks for your protection and gifts

Glory to be to God, who has filled the world with enough for everyone

When we are in trouble, we have God to pray to

God help us to trust in God

Let us proclaim the good news, God is abundant and gracious

We live into thanksgiving, Loving God

Light the Promise Candle

God,

As we look at all the bounties of the earth,

teach us how to give the sacrifice of praise.

For you have created us this way

so that the more we give thanks

the better human beings we are.

Help us to live into Thanksgiving,

every time we wait for Jesus,

we pray. Amen. 

Optional Hymns: For the Fruit of All Creation, Let All Things Now Living, We Gather Together, Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

Dec 6, 2020 Hope Candle: (based on Joel 2)

Lord, even now you are calling to us

You promise the trumpet will sound, all wrongs will be right!

We will call the assembly in hope, one way or another we will connect and gather together

We are the congregation: the aged, the children, the infants. We are the people of God

God says, fear not, for I will fill you with my spirit. Live into Hope.

We live into hope, loving God.

Light the Hope Candle

Prayer: Lord, 

in the midst of suffering

and death, remind us 

that love is worth

the cost of hope. 

Teach us to 

enact the world

we hope for we pray.

Help us to live into Hope

every time we wait for Jesus, 

we pray. Amen. 

Optional Hymns: Sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel v. 1, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 1, Live Into Hope, 

Peace Candle: Peace: (based on Isaiah 61:1-4)

Lord, here is the hope!  You have sent us to proclaim the good news to the oppressed, 

We are all called to to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives 

Let us proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. 

You comfort all who mourn, and give us the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. 

You promise to repair the ruins! Live into peace.

We live into Peace, Loving God!

Light the Peace Candle

Prayer: Jesus

as we see fighting

and lies and hatred.

Show us peace, 

not as a passive thing

but as the power to 

acknowledge each and

every creature’s mutual worth

Help us to live into Peace 

every time we wait for Jesus,

we pray. Amen

Optional Hymns: Sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel v. 3, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 3 Comfort, Comfort You My People or A Place at the Table, Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Dec 13, 2020 Joy Candle: (based on Luke 1:46-56 which is opt for next week)

Lord God this is the time to magnify the Lord

My spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant

We are called to see how God has brought down the powerful from their thrones

We need to look and acknowledge and proclaim with joy that it is God who lifts up the lowly

God’s promises are forever! This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
We live into Joy, Loving God. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit,

as we feel the stirrings of Joy

that Jesus Christ is a part of our lives.

Remind us that Jesus

came to help all people

from generation to generation.

Help us to share the Joy it is

to fill every sing person who hungers

with good things. 

Help us to live into Joy 

every time we wait for Jesus,

we pray. Amen.

Optional Hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel v. 2, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence v. 2, Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

Dec 20, 2020 Love Candle: 

God, we sing glory to God in the highest, for you embody love

You take on human flesh, out of love for us

Truly, who embodies love like Jesus?

He has come to teach and to pray, to heal and to disciple, to live and to breathe with us.

Born in a manger, full of hope, peace and joy, that is our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We Live into Love, Loving God

God of Bounty,

We know that you are synonymous with love

To speak of God is to speak of love, 

and to speak of love is to speak of God.

Teach us what love really is: 

Embodying hope and peace and joy all at once. 

Help us to live into Love 

every time we wait for Jesus, 

we pray Amen. 

Optional Hymns: O Come, O Come Emmanuel v. 1 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent v. 3 and/or 4, They will Know we are Christians by Our Love

Dec 24/25, 2020 Christ Candle: 

Let our Soul magnify the Lord

We rejoice in God our savior

God is with us, from generation to generation

Look at what the Mighty One has done for us

God fills the hungry with good things, brings up the lowly, and brings done the powerful

We live into the discipleship of Jesus Christ, Loving God

Light the Christ Candle

Prayer:

Lord God, we know that Jesus is born

Born of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love,

Christ is coming, 

Touch us with your presence we pray.

Help us to live into discipleship

and to see Jesus,

we pray Amen. 

Optional Hymns: What Child is This?, The First Nowell, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

About Me: My Story & My Writing

Please Share/Adapt with Credit to Katy Stenta and Please contribute to my Doctorate of Ministry with a Donation  I have PayPal https://paypal.me/KatyStenta?locale.x=en_US Venmo www.venmo.com/Katy-Stenta or Google Pay to Katyandtheword at gmail