Advent Wreath Lighting Prayer
Today, let us follow our own star to the manger. Know that by undertaking our strenuous journey to the truth, seeking joy that the world cannot give us, we will be changed in the process. When we will finally meet Christ and see who He really is, we will never be the same. We will not be able to go back to “business as usual” but with hope, peace, joy, and love we will share His mission with others.
At this time, while we light the candles of the Advent Wreath, we will reflect on Isaiah 9:2 “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”
In our journey out of the darkness into the light let us be reminded by St. Leo the Great that the only way God can be honored is by presenting him with what he has already given us. “The Magi’s gifts represent their God given desires.” The gold, frankincense, and myrrh encompass the Humanity, Divinity, and Salvation of our Savior.
First Candle – Gift of Hope:
Light our way, Light our way as we journey in the darkness, seeking Immanuel.
“All nations of the earth will be blessed because of your descendants.” Genesis 22:18
As we light the candle, we are reminded that Jesus came to fulfill the promise that God made to Abraham. These pagan astrologers looked for a sign, even though Jesus was the King of the Jews, God placed a star in the heavens, which created a supernatural event to guide them. The Magi represent people of all nations, faiths, and backgrounds. We are being asked to come to Him. We may begin in different places, but in Christ, no one is an outsider. We are all welcome to meet the Christ Child.
We pray, God draw us into Your light and fill our hearts with trust. While the wisemen brought gold because it was the most valued currency recognized by earthly kingdoms, the infant born of the virgin was a lasting treasure for all humanity throughout time. Let us accept His rule and not be ruled by our thoughts, feelings, and desires. When we use our differences to divide each other, call us by name and guide us to support one another. Bring us hope to become one people, so that together, we can proclaim, “Jesus, Come and be my King.”
“Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:5
Light our way, Light our way, gift us with hope for our world.
Second Candle - Gift of Peace:
Light our way, Light our way as we journey out of the darkness to worship.
“But you, Bethlehem, Ephratha, the least of the clans of Judah, out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule Israel; his origin goes back to the distant past, to the days of old.” Micah 5: 1-2
As we light the candle, we are reminded of this passage that was told to the wisemen when they came to Jerusalem seeking the location of the king of the Jews. The Magi’s story tells us the importance of scriptural study. From the star, they learned of Jesus and knew he had been born, but they did not know where he was until they asked Herod’s scribes, who had studied the Scriptures. The scribes were the ones who told them about Bethlehem. We know of God’s existence through creation, but we do not know how to find Jesus and make him part of our lives until we study God’s word.
John 1: 12-14 “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood nor of the will of flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.”
We pray, God take our hand, lead us to Jesus Christ every step of the way from a sign to His Holy Word. As the scripture teaches us of Jesus’ humanity, the gift of frankincense reminds us of Christ’s divinity. With incense our prayers are taken up to heaven, but the Word made flesh, brings heaven to us on earth. You have constructed our path so that we too may enter, fall to our knees, and worship. May we learn devotion from Mary, your faithful disciple. Ask her to intercede for us with your Son that we may be faithful to our baptism, fervent in prayer, and generous in the service we give to our sisters and brothers. May all the world worship the King of heaven!
Light our way, Light our way, gift us with Peace as we live your Word.
Third Candle - Gift of Joy:
Light our way, Light our way as we journey out of the darkness to rejoice.
“When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” Matthew 2:10
As we light the candle, we are reminded of the Solemnity of the Epiphany. The Magi are known as scholars, but here they may be considered merely “wise” because they did not over think or become overwhelmed in self doubt and worry. With open minds they lead with their hearts. They understood their lives, and all they possess, within the larger frame of God’s kingdom. Perhaps like Herod, a part of us clings to what we have, but the Magi tell us to move beyond our needs and wants, to be more responsive to God’s presence in our daily lives.
We pray, God release us. Let us loosen our grip of control on our little kingdoms. Allow us to surrender to the power of Your kingdom. Let us forgo our preoccupation with worldly gifts of power, ambition, prestige, and wealth. You are the Creator, the One who generously gifted us with talents, skills, and virtues. Give us wisdom to use our gifts to do Your work. Grant us, insight into our own epiphany, our enlightened realization of our purpose, as we encounter God through the infant Jesus. Give us a deeper understanding on how to overcome our barriers and live with Joy.
Light our way, Light our way, gift us with Joy.
Fourth Candle - Gift of Love:
Light our way, Light our way as we journey out of the darkness to be Loved and Love one another.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
As we light the candle, we are reminded of our preparation for the Lord’s second coming. Bowing at the cradle of Jesus, we see the love of a father, Joseph and a mother, Mary. We see the new love felt by the three wisemen. A love that changes their earthly lives. With their gift of myrrh, they help us anticipate redemption through the cross and being with You forever.
We pray, God entrust us with the infant Jesus. Lay Him down in the cradle of our hearts. Let the great fire of His Love increase. With Him let us share your Love in our world. Love of our families, Love of our neighbors, Love of strangers, and Love of all Your creations. Thank you for your Love, your greatest gift of all.
Light our way, Light our way, gift us with Love.