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Based on the "O Antiphons" Verse 1 of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" LBW 34 is sung Introduction The first candle we light today reminds us that Christ is "Emmanuel"; which means "God with us". We praise God that through Christ he is with us; and we anticipate that, in his return, Christ will bring God's presence to us in a powerful and glorious way, which we can not even imagine. The first advent candle is lit as the text is read Isaiah 7:14 "Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and will bear a son and will name him Emmanuel" The "O" Antiphon "O Emmanuel, our King and our Lord, the anointed of all nations and our savior for whom we wait. Come, now and save us." The first verse of LBW #34 is sung again.
Based on the "O Antiphons" Verse 2 of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" LBW 34 is sung Introduction The second candle we light today reminds us that God is "Great Lord of might". His Word was given to Israel at Mt. Sinai to establish a covenant with people. That covenant called for our faithfulness in response to God's rescue from slavery in Egypt. Christ Jesus is Great Lord of might, his Word created us and calls us into a new relationship with God through the Cross and empty Tomb. We are called to faithfulness in response to this great act of grace and mercy. The first and second advent candles are lit as the text is read Isaiah 11:6 "He shall judge between nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." The "O" Antiphon "O King of all nations and ruler for whom we long, the corner stone who unites all people in peace. Come and save us, for you made us out of clay." The first verse of LBW #34 is sung.
Based on the "O Antiphons" Verse 4 of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" LBW 34 is sung Introduction The third candle we light today reminds us that God is our "Dayspring". The word "Dayspring" brings to mind the sun leaping into the sky; light pushing darkness over the horizon; Jesus coming again in power to put an end to sin, death and the power of the devil. This candle reminds us of the joy of Christ coming at the end of the age and the joy of Christ coming into our lives now. The three advent candles are lit as the text is read Isaiah 35:1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The "O" Antiphon "O Dayspring, fountain of living water; your brilliance lights the way for all who look to you." The first verse of LBW #34 is sung.
Based on the "O Antiphons" Verse 5 of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" LBW 34 is sung Introduction The fourth candle we light today reminds us that Jesus is the "Key of David". Jesus opens the door to the rule of God that David symbolized. It is a rule of justice, grace, freedom and forgiveness for which we long. Under God's rule we grow to be the best we could ever be, we experience joy and peace, and we strive to be witnesses of this coming kingdom. The four candles express our eagerness for the Key of David to come. The four advent candles are lit as the text is read Isaiah 11:6 The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The "O" Antiphon "O Key of David, ruler of the house of Israel; you give hope to the oppressed and bring justice to the poor and humble." The first verse of LBW #34 is sung. |
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