Candle-Lighting Liturgy (Isaiah 9:2-7; Hosea 11:1, 3-4)

We come to proclaim the light of hope. Hope in the promises of God; hope in the power of the Holy Spirit; hope in the person of Jesus Christ. Hope for each of us and hope for all of us.

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.

We come to proclaim the light of peace. Peace as we trust God’s power; peace as we know the Spirit’s presence; peace as we follow Jesus’ path. Peace within our hearts and peace throughout our world.

For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

We come to proclaim the light of joy. Joy in our relationship with our Creator; joy in the fullness of the Spirit; joy in our salvation through Jesus. Joy deep within us—in times of happiness and sorrow.

You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest.

We come to proclaim the light of love. Love conceived by the Creator; love enlivened by the Holy Spirit; love fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Love within us and among us.

“When Israel was a child, I loved them,
and out of Egypt I called my child.
It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with ties of love.
To them I was like one who lifts
a little child to the cheek,
and I bent down to feed them.

We come to receive the light of Christ as we celebrate his miraculous birth; we receive this light that illuminates the holy path of hope, peace, joy, and love.

For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.