Advent 2018
Advent starts four weeks before Christmas to prepare our hearts for the true revelation of Christmas–a small child who came to bring hope, peace, love, joy, and light to the world. The word Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus and literally means “coming.” During these four weeks, Advent reminds us to anticipate the coming of our great King. This anticipation prepares us for the first coming of the Christ child–a baby born of a virgin, the promised Savior—and it keeps us ready for his second coming–the moment when Christ returns to restore perfection and righteousness to our broken world. Each Sunday of Advent introduces a new theme of the season. In this guide, each Sunday includes something to do (Act), something to read (Read), a question to consider (Ask), and a Christmas song to listen to (Hear).
The Candles The five candles associated with Advent serve as reminders of waiting or longing during Advent. Three of the five are purple–a color of mourning. There is one pink candle–symbolizing joy. And lastly, the white candle represents the light of Christ. Lit on Christmas Eve, the white candle signifies the destruction of darkness with the arrival of our Savior. Each week we encourage you to read the Scriptures on Sunday and light the candle for that week along with the candles of the previous weeks.
Week 1: Hope Act:
Light the first purple candle.
Read:
Isaiah 40:28-31
Ask:
Where did I see or experience God this week? (Something Good, Beautiful, or True)
Hear:
O Come, O Come Emmanuel (choose your favorite version)
O come, O come, Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of Hell Thy people save And give them victory o’er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height, In ancient times did’st give the Law, In cloud, and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Week 2: Peace Act:
Light the first and second purple candles.
Read:
Isaiah 57:14-19
Ask:
When did I sense God’s presence and grace this week?
Hear:
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (choose your favorite version)
I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play; In music sweet the tones repeat, “There’s peace on earth, good will to men.”
When men repent and turn from sin The Prince of Peace then enters in, And grace imparts within their hearts His peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th’ unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men.
O souls amid earth’s busy strife, The Word of God is light and life; Oh, hear His voice, make Him your choice, Hail peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head, “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Then happy, singing on your way, Your world will change from night to day; Your heart will feel the message real, Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor does He sleep, For Christ is here; His Spirit near Brings peace on earth, good will to men.”
Week 3: Joy Act:
Light the first two purple candles, as well as the pink candle.
Read:
Isaiah 35:1-10
Ask:
What am I thankful for this week?
Hear:
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (choose your favorite version)
God rest ye merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born on Christmas day To save us all from Satan’s power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
“Fear not then,” said the Angel, “Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Saviour Of a pure virgin bright, To free all those who trust in Him From Satan’s power and might.” O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father A blessed angel came; And unto certain shepherds Brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by name. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy
Week 4: Love Act:
Light all purple candles, as well as the pink candle.
Read:
Isaiah 54:4-10
Ask:
hen did I experience the greatest amount of love this week?
Hear:
Of the Father’s Love Begotten (choose your favorite version)
Of the Father’s love begotten Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the Source, the Ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom Heaven-taught singers Sang of old with one accord; Whom the Scriptures of the prophets Promised in their faithful word. Now He shines, the Long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessed When the Virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bare the Savior of our race, And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be, Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heaven, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing; Powers, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring Evermore and evermore.
Christmas Eve: Light Act:
Light all purple candles, the pink candle, and the white candle.
Read:
Isaiah 60:1-5, 18-20
Ask:
What did I do that was most life-giving this week?
Hear:
O Little Town of Bethlehem (choose your favorite version)
O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight
How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him still, The dear Christ enters in.
For Christ is born of Mary And gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together Proclaim the holy birth And praises sing to God the King And Peace to men on earth
O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray Cast out our sin and enter in Be born to us today We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell O come to us, abide with us Our Lord Emmanuel