Four Fold Way Advent Candle-Lighting Ceremonies
Inspired by The
Lighting the Advent Candle - Candle of Vision
Leader: Today we begin
the season of Advent by lighting the first of five candles in our advent
wreath. We shall call this candle the Visionary's candle. It represents the
fire of vision, the spirit of the East that draws from the expectation of the
Sun's rise. Its light is nothing less than hope, the ability to perceive
possibilities when others have been blinded by despair.
All: We light this candle to honor the visionary spirit in
us all.
Lighting of the Candle of Vision
Lighting the Advent Candle - Candle of Strength
Leader: Today we light
the second Advent candle, the Warrior's candle. This
candle represents the virtues of strength and dedication, the ability to
determine right action, and the will to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to a
cause. We honor the sharp-edged mind that discerns right from wrong, and the
stout heart that allows us to stand firm on our most cherished principles.
Today, we remind ourselves that strength must be used in the service of peace.
All: We light this candle to honor the Warrior spirit in us
all.
Lighting of the Candles of Vision and
Strength
Lighting the Advent Candle - Candle of Wisdom
Leader: Today we light
the third Advent candle, the Teacher's candle. This candle stands for the
wisdom of water, the deep knowledge that comes not from books or classrooms
alone, but from contemplation of our inner currents and awareness of our
immersion in the divine. Today we rededicate ourselves to deepening our wisdom
and passing on what we have learned to others.
All: We light this candle to honor the Teacher spirit in us
all.
Lighting the Advent Candle - Candle of Love
Leader: Today we light
the fourth Advent candle, the Healer's candle. This candle represents the
earth’s life-giving force and the love with which God births creation into
being. We honor our ability to nurture, to heal, and to lend strength with a
comforting and supportive hand. In a violent and uncertain world, we remind
ourselves that love is always stronger.
All: We light this candle to honor the Healer spirit in us
all.
Lighting of the Candles of Vision, Strength,
Wisdom, and Love
Lighting the Christ Candle*
Leader: Tonight is the
night for which we have been waiting. The Advent wreath is completed with the
Christ candle in the center. “For unto us a child is given, unto us a Savior is
born and the order of the world will be upon Christ’s shoulders.” With the
birth of Christ, our lives are centered, focused, turned toward God. We light
this candle to honor the incarnation of all our vision, strength, wisdom, and
love.
All: We light this candle to honor Christ’s living spirit
within us all.
Lighting of the
Advent and Christ Candles
*This section
was adapted from an existing liturgy, but I do not know the original source.
All other material on the this page is copyright (c)
2002 by Christine Hoff Kraemer.