A Reading for Christmas Eve

Relight the three purple candles and the pink candle.

Introduction

The word “advent” means coming. Advent is a season of expectation and longing. It’s a time when we prepare to celebrate the arrival of Christ in his incarnation, and a reminder that Christ is coming again to make all things new.

With each candle of Advent this year, we are rehearsing God’s story of redemption. On Christmas Eve we celebrate God’s faithfulness to redeem his creation and save his people by sending his eternal Son, Jesus, into the world.

Scripture

John 1 says:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him . . . In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:1-5, 14)

And Jesus says in John 8:

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12)

Light the white candle in the center.         

We light the final candle of Advent to celebrate the birth of God’s Son, our Savior and King, the true light of the world who gives light and life to all who believe in him.

Prayer

Please pray with me:

Faithful Father,

Thank you that you have not left this world in darkness, but have sent your Son to show us your glory and give us new life. Anchor our hearts in Christ this Christmas, as we follow him and wait for his glorious return, that the earth may be filled with the knowledge of your glory as the waters cover the sea.

Amen.