Advent 1 — Isaiah 2:1-5
We know the world is not as it should be.
God’s Word will spring out of Jerusalem and instruct all.
Creation groans for its redemption, for things to be made right.
God will decide and settle disputes between the peoples.
People make war against each other and denigrate each other’s worth.
O Church of God, we light the first candle of Advent for the Light of Hope!
Advent 2 — Isaiah 11:1-10
We look out and see the devastation. We see a lowly stump.
But look, someone is growing out its deep roots!
The Spirit rests upon this King and he is righteous and faithful.
He is our glorious sign and beacon of the Kingdom to come.
Relationships will be reformed. Words like hurt and destroy will be no more.
We light the second candle of Advent remembering The Shoot of Hope has come!
Advent 3 — Isaiah 35:1-10
Can you hear it? Can you hear the songs creation is starting to sing?
The world shouts in our ears making it hard to hear anything but its cacophony.
It’s singing a song of salvation – those with feeble knees and fearful hearts need to be afraid!
All I hear about is fear – we need to be afraid because there’s only so much to go around.
The songs can be heard traveling, moving down a road where no one seems to go lost.
With delight, we light the third candle of Advent as we sing the songs of the Highway of Joy!
Advent 4 — Isaiah 7:10-16
God gave us a sign of the kingdom to come.
A young woman with child, a boy!
The young boy will have a special name — Immanuel, which means “God is with Us.”
He will learn to reject evil and choose Good.
Before that happens, our fears will be gone.
We light the fourth candle of Advent knowing the Sign of Love has come.
Christmas Eve — Isaiah 9:2-7
The people walking amongst the shadows have seen a great light.
On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.
This light comes from a child born with authority already resting on him.
He has many different names — Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Eternal Justice and Righteousness will be established by him and reign in his Kingdom.
We celebrate lighting the Christ Candle for we have heard the Name of God.
Submitted by Rev. Will Ryan, Paris FCC & Midway CC
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