Lighting The Advent Candle

The custom of lighting Advent candles in expectation of the coming of Christ is perhaps the most prevalent symbol in Advent worship. An Advent wreath containing five candles is hung at the front of the church. The four corner candles correspond to the four Sundays of Advent; the center candle represents Christ. Each Sunday one of the candles is lit until the Christmas Eve service when the Christ candle is lit. Normally the candles are lit during the opening acts of worship. The following are two sample texts that can appropriately accompany the lighting of the Advent candles.   Traditional Example The minister and choir may gather at the back of the church. As a family lights the Advent candle the following words acclaiming the Advent hanging may be said. Then follows the opening hymn. Leader:Come and save us, O Lord God of Hosts. [read from the back by the minister or some other reader] People:Come and save us, O Lord God of Hosts. Leader:Show the light of your countenance…