As we move forward into this holiday season, with Advent, Hanukkah, Christmas, and other meaningful celebrations coming up soon, we are each encouraged to reflect upon how we can be beacons of light in the wintry darkness; how we can bring hope, peace, joy, and love into this world in need of healing.
To help us do this, we are inviting you to make an Advent wreath with your family and to spend time discussing the important words associated with this wreath. If this resonates with you, ideas and information can be found below.
Advent Wreath Making Ideas:
Weekly Advent Candle Lighting, Prayer, and Discussion
First Sunday in Advent (Hope): November 28th, 2021
- Say this prayer: Giver of Hope, when we look around, we see shadows of hunger, injustice and division. In the face of all this, we trust that your hope is at hand. May we do all we can to care for the places and people experiencing despair. Today, we light the candle of hope. Amen.
- Light the purple (Hope) candle.
- Spend some time discussing these questions: What are the things that feel the most hopeless these days? What’s one thing we can do or say to help bring about hope?
Second Sunday in Advent (Peace): December 5th, 2021
- Say this prayer: Giver of Peace, because of violence, greed, jealousy and hatred, the world continues to be in turmoil. In the face of all this, we trust that your peace is at hand. May we do all we can to mend the places of brokenness. Today, we light the candle of peace. Amen.
- Light the purple (Hope) candle, followed by the purple (Peace) candle.
- Spend some time discussing these questions: Why does peace feel particularly difficult these days? What is something that we can do to create peace in our lives and in the world?
Third Sunday in Advent (Joy): December 12th, 2021
- Say this prayer: Giver of Joy, we see that there is much sadness and pain in the world. In the face of all this, we trust that your joy is at hand. May we do all we can to connect with others and sing songs of gratitude. Today, we light the candle of joy. Amen.
- Light the purple (Hope) candle, the purple (Peace) candle, and the pink (Joy) candle.
- Spend some time discussing these questions: Where have you found joy in these past few weeks? What is something that you can do to bring joy to yourself and/or to others?
Fourth Sunday in Advent (Love): December 19, 2021
- Say this prayer: Giver of Love, we see so many people, animals and plants suffering in the world. In the face of all this, we trust that your love is at hand. May we do all we can to share love with everyone and everything. Today, we light the candle of love. Amen.
- Light the purple (Hope) candle, the purple (Peace) candle, the pink (Joy) candle, and the purple (Love) candle.
- Spend some time discussing these questions: How do you show your love to others? How do you show love to yourself? What does it look like to love something or someone that is difficult?
Christmas Eve: December 24th, 2021
- Say this prayer: Giver of new life, we see a world in need of transformation. Christmas teaches us to trust that something grand is about to burst into this aching world. May we have the wisdom to see that hope often comes in the smallest of packages and in the most unexpected of places. Today, we light the candle of Christmas. Amen.
- Light the purple (Hope) candle, the purple (Peace) candle, the pink (Joy) candle, the purple (Love) candle, and then the white (Christmas) candle.
- Spend some time discussing these questions: Where is there need for transformation in your life or in the world? What about the message of Christmas resonates most with you?
Wishing you all time to rest, rejuvenate, and refocus. I look forward to continuing to journey through this holiday season together. I am holding each of you close in my heart and am grateful for the ways that you demonstrate hope, peace, joy, and love.
Warmest wishes,
-Reverend Sam
Reverend Samantha Gonzalez-Block
