Advent Resources

Each of these resources include prayers for the Advent candles.

Peace Prayers (2001)
These prayers were a response to the violence erupting in our world and should be tailored to fit the context in which they are used. Use current headlines.
Hymn note: Deb Patterson wrote an excellent hymn, "We Pray for Peace", to Greenslees. (used on 12/16/01 and 12/10/06)
"Lift the Veil"
Believing that Christ is alive among us, our Christmas preparations are not for a coming event but rather for clarity of vision to recognize what is already here. Thus we are invited to "lift the veil". One source of inspiration for this endeavor is from the wonderful field of Children's Literature. Many of our theological claims are embodied in beautifully illustrated books. The following books, with scriptural notes, are chosen to move us through the process of "unveiling" the already - if not yet - of the Kingdom of God.
Incarnation (Year A - Isaiah)
Candle lighting prayers exploring the Advent of Incarnation. Preparing for the Paradoxical, the Offensive, the Ordinary, and the Vulnerable
The Light Shines
A complete curriculum (Themes, Scriptures, Actions, Writing Activity, and Prayer) for children and families based upon John 1:5.
New Again - An Advent Journey
Each gospel writer begins the story of Jesus' life in a different place, each vantage offering a distinctive view of their newly emerging community and its purpose. When we have a new story to tell, change to assimilate, where do we begin? Let's look to the gospel stories in search of clues for approaching change.
Illustrations note: Fr. Edward Hays (Forest of Peace) has a series of Christmas images that are fabulous with this theme (2003)
Hope-Peace-Joy-Love
Simple candle prayers and also poetry. Written for Year B, but not Lectionary specific.

Christmas Resources
Christmas Pageant (alternative) - a "walk on" pageant juxtaposing our traditional story with the biblical one(s)
Lessons and Carols (alternative)
Christmas Eve Poems
Christmas Eve Communion Blessing
Sundays After Christmas