Saturday, December 29, 2012

Christ the King

God gave his only begotten Son, the spotless Lamb of God, to wash away our sins! He is coming again in great power and glory to bring His Kingdom into fruition. The fifth candle (white) is called the "Candle of Christ." It stands in the center and symbolizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the heart and reason of the season.

Father in Heaven, increase our longing for Christ our Savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of His coming may find us rejoicing in His presence and welcoming the light of His truth.


On the first Sunday of Christmas, the father of the family prays: "O Lord, lift up our souls. Show us your paths and teach us your truth. May the Spirit of the LORD rest on us, we pray, and grant us the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel, and the Spirit of peace. Amen"

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
 
 
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

"Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.
Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus."
Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."
 
 

"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord."

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Advent Week 4

Christ came to radiate the truth and love of God and show us the way of righteousness. He came to be welcomed into our lives and into our hearts. The fourth candle (purple) is called the "Candle of Peace." It reminds Christians to "be ready" to receive God.
 
Gracious God, send us your grace so that we can prepare for your coming. Touch our hearts, with longing so that we can better love and serve you, and with hope so that transformed by your Spirit we can help transform the world. Amen.
 
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, the father of the family prays: "O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. The mother then lights the purple candles from the first three weeks, and the oldest child lights the fourth purple candle. Amen"

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Advent Week 3

Christ is the Light that came into the world to dispel the darkness of sin. He arrived into the world as a human being, fully God and fully man. The third candle (pink or rose) is called the "Candle of Joy." It recalls the angels joyfully singing about the birth of Christ.

Loving God, make room in our hearts for people who need us. We thank you for the friends and strangers who have received us in our need, and we ask for the courage to share that love with others through loving action. Amen

On the third Sunday of Advent, the father of the family prays: "O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The mother then lights the purple candles from the first two weeks, and the youngest child lights the third pink candle. Amen"

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Advent Week 2

Advent represents our expectation, anticipation, and preparation for who Christ is and what He has done for us. He came to identify as one of us, as the Son of Man, as a baby born in a manger. The second candle (purple) is called the "Candle of Love." It reminds Christians that God loves them enough to send his only Son to Earth.
 
Loving God, let your light of peace and love shine in our world. Give us eyes to see the signs of your presence, and prepare our lives and our homes to receive the One who said, “I am the light of the world.” Amen.
 
On the second Sunday of Advent, the father of the family prays: "O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds.” The mother then lights the purple candle from the first week, and the oldest child lights the second purple candle. Amen"

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Advent Week 1

Advent simply means coming, as in "Christ is coming". The wreath is made of evergreen boughs, symbolizing everlasting life. The circle represents the continuous love of God, and the immortality of the soul. The first candle (purple) is called the "Candle of Hope." It symbolizes His promise to humanity and our hope because God is faithful, keeping His promises to humanity.
 
Loving God, create in us a fountain of joy and stir your spirit in us. Kindle in us the fire of gladness, and loose in us songs of praise, for You come to us with healing and blessing. Amen.
 
On the first Sunday of Advent, the father of the family prays: "O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant grace. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.” The youngest child then lights the first purple candle.