Here’s a candle-lighting litany suitable for use in worship on Christmas Eve. It was written by Peter L. Haynes.
Christmas Eve Candle-lighting Litany
Immanuel, God-with-us,
interrupt and open our eyes to the wonder of this night,
that we might catch a glimpse of your glory
in the simplicity of these moments.
May your light shine!
(First advent candle is lit.)
Immanuel, God-with-us,
interrupt and soften our hearts to the message of this hour,
that we might turn toward you,
and have the way prepared in us for your coming.
May your light shine!
(Second advent candle is lit.)
Immanuel, God-with-us,
interrupt and open our minds to truly listen to all
who speak and sing this evening,
that we might hear your voice cry out from many lips.
May your light shine!
(Third advent candle is lit.)
Immanuel, God-with-us,
interrupt and fill our spirits
with the courage to admit when we are lost
and the insight to recognize that we have been found.
May your light shine!
(Fourth advent candle is lit.)
Immanuel, God-with-us,
with eyes open, hearts softened, minds listening, and spirits full,
we rejoice that you interrupt what we have in mind
in order to bring into being something more than we dare imagine.
May your light shine! Amen.
(Center Christ candle is lit.)
— written by Peter L. Haynes, and posted in the Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren Christmas Eve service.
For more worship resources for Advent and Christmas, see the indexes at the top right side of this blog, or click on Advent or Christmas in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
