Narrative Lectionary Year 3: Daniel 6, Joel 2, Isaiah 61, Luke 1
Musical verse is from Light the Advent Candle by Ruth Elaine Schram
Lit candle is carried in as congregation sings (tune: Picardy, except last two lines):
As we light the Advent candle
with the light of hope burning bright,
faithfully we wait for his coming;
faithfully it shines through the night.
In our humble hearts a fire burns as well;
hear the prayer these flames would tell.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel.
Candle-bearer: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
week 1 (Daniel 6.6-27):
Liturgist: One candle shines as shadows lengthen and chaos roars—
the dawn of God’s kingdom in our midst.
All: Courage awakens in us, a spark to brighten the way.
week 2 (Joel 2.12-13, 28-29):
Liturgist: Two candles shine as light peeks through the cracks
and God’s dream overflows.
All: Vision awakens in us, a spark to brighten the way.
week 3 (Isaiah 61.1-11):
Liturgist: Three candles shine as God’s promise draws near,
beckoning us to be good news in body and spirit.
All: Justice awakens in us, a spark to brighten the way.
week 4 (Luke 1.26-55):
Liturgist: Four candles shine as God’s purpose is revealed
in word and flesh.
All: Possibility awakens in us, a spark to brighten the way.
Liturgist: Radiant flash and feeble flame break through;
a long time coming, yet unexpected.
Watching and waiting, we prepare him room.
All: Christ is coming to make all things new,
and we are opening to the Light.
The middle section swaps out each week (not cumulative, as some previous years) so, for example, the bulletin for week 1 would look like this:
Lit candle is carried in as congregation sings
As we light the Advent
candle
with the light of hope
burning bright,
faithfully we wait for his
coming;
faithfully it shines through
the night.
In our humble hearts a fire
burns as well;
hear the prayer these flames
would tell.
O come, O come,
Emmanuel,
and ransom
captive Israel.
Candle-bearer: The
Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Liturgist: One candle shines as shadows lengthen and
chaos roars—
the dawn of God’s kingdom in our midst.
All: Courage awakens in
us, a spark to brighten the way.
Liturgist: Bright flash and feeble flame break through;
a long time coming, yet unexpected.
Watching and waiting, we prepare him room.
All: Christ is coming to
make all things new,
and we are
opening to the Light.
Thank you so much
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