Celebrating Advent At Home

Christmas has increasingly become a holiday cut off from its purpose of
celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, important for each one of
us to recapture the season of Advent as a time for preparing for Christmas.
We have put down few ways that will help us prepare for Birth of our Savour
both in our lives and in our family too.

Making an Advent Wreath

We invite you to make an Advent wreath. The wreath, because it is a circle,

symbolizes God's never-ending love. The wreath, because it is green,
symbolizes life. An Advent wreath contains four candles representing the four
Sundays leading to Christmas. Many people place a white candle in the centre
of the wreath to symbolize Jesus. The Internet is full of ideas of how to make
an Advent wreath at home. You could even make a simple one by taking a
plate and putting the candles with a few fresh or artificial flowers around it.

The Service Itself

An Advent wreath service takes only a few minutes each night, yet it can
become a wonderful time to centre oneself or the whole family with a nightly
remembrance of Christ’s Incarnation and promised return. It is a time to
celebrate God’s promise to always be with us. So make a simple Advent
wreath and celebrate Christ’s presence in your family.

A purple candle is lit the first night and all of the first week. During the second
week, an additional purple candle is lit. During the third week, the rose candle
is also lit, and on the fourth week, all four of the colour candles are lit. The
central white candle is lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Families may divide the responsibilities for leading the service, lighting the
candles, and reading scripture so that everyone may have a turn as they are
able.

IMPORTANT: Every day of the Week follow the same pattern: Introduction;
Hymn; Reader; Word of God; Discussion & Prayer. What changes every day
is the Word of God and Discussion which is given for each day of the week.

The Children’s Advent Calendar

Another way to mark the days in Advent is to use an Advent calendar, where
children are encouraged to do something to prepare themselves for
Christmas.

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 Advent Worship Service for Families

First Week of Advent – Hope

First Sunday of Advent – Sunday, November 27, 2022

Light the first candle on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

Introduction:This is the first Sunday in Advent. Today, we light one purple

candle. This is the candle of hope. Advent is a time of waiting and hoping. We
wait for the day when we celebrate again the birth of Jesus. We hope that
everyone will come to know God and to worship God.
(Light the first candle)

Hymn: [ Refer the last pares]

Reader:When we look at the first candle, we remember God's promise. God

promised to send a Saviour to the people. When we listen to our Scripture
reading, we hear what the prophet Isaiah wrote about God. God is the potter
who moulds us. We know that the gospel witness is one that helps us
understand that God is loving and just. God brings peace. This gives us hope.
We anticipate again the birth of the baby Jesus, remembering that Jesus
helps us know God’s love for us.

Word of God: Read Isaiah 64:8.

Discussion: Think about a potter. A potter takes clay and forms it in a way that
is pleasing. That is what God is able to do with each person. We are reminded
that we are all the work of God’s hands.
Talk together about how we are formed by God. Remember together the gifts
and talents of each person. How do we use these gifts that God has formed in
us?
Prayer:
Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words of the
Prophet Isaiah that remind us that you are the source of our hope. Help us to
live each day, allowing you to form us in a way that brings about your kingdom
here on earth. Amen.

➔ Monday, Nov 28, 2022: Today read again Isaiah 64:8. Memorize this verse.
How do you think this verse gives hope to people?
➔ Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022: Is there someone you know who needs to hear words
of hope? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.
➔ Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022: Hope is something we need in our world. Today,
pray for the president and the members of congress. Pray for their
leadership for our country and for the world.
➔ Thursday, December 1, 2022: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of
Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit
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 quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray,
asking God's help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.
➔ Friday, Nov 2, 2022: Think about your family. Some may live with you. Others
may be far away. Who in your family needs God's hope? Pray for this family
member today.
➔ Saturday, Nov 3, 2022: There are people in our neighbourhoods, in our church,
and in our community who need to know of God's hope. Select someone to
visit today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by yourself. It
doesn't necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is someone
you always see at the library. Stop by today and talk with that person. Tell
the person you visit one way he or she helps you feel hopeful.

Reading for the 1st Week

Mon Isaiah 1:16-18 Tue Isaiah 60:1-3 Wed Psalm 43: 3-5
Thu Isaiah 58:6-9 Fri 1 John 2:8-11 Sat 1 John 3:1-2

Second Week of Advent – Love

Second Sunday of Advent — December 4, 2022

Light the two candles on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

This is the second Sunday in Advent. Today, we light two purple

First Reader:
candles. Last Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. This Sunday, we light the
candle of love. One verse that many memorize and remember on this day is
John 3:16, "God so loved the world..." Some people may not know the love of
other people. That makes it harder for them to understand God's love. During
Advent, we pray that we may remember again God's gift of Jesus to the world
and know that God's love for all people is the reason for this gift.
(Light the first and second candles.)

Hymn: [ Refer the last pares]

Second Reader: When we look at the second candle, we remember God's love.
When we read the words of Scripture, we know of God’s greatness and care.
We remember God’s love at Advent when we remember that God sent Jesus
to us to help us know that God is loving and just.

First Reader: Read Isaiah 40:1-8.

Discussion:When we think of God's love, we might not always think of the

words of the prophets. And this verse might not be one that comes to mind.
But the image of God comforting people is a loving image. The image of God
making the rough way smooth is one of love. When have you felt comforted by
God’s love? What makes you feel that rough times are made easier because
of God’s love?

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Prayer:
Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the words found in
our Bible that help us remember your love and care. Help us see how we can
bring God's message to the people we meet in our schools, at our jobs, and in
our neighbourhoods. Help us be messengers of God's love for everyone.
Amen.
➔ Monday, December 5, 2022: Read again Isaiah 40:1-8. Create a picture that
shows God’s comforting love. Include words or prayers that help you
remember God’s love. Give thanks for the world and all people in the world.
➔ Tuesday, December 6, 2022: Is there someone you know who needs to hear
words of God's love? Make or select a card for that person and mail it
today.
➔ Wednesday, December 7, 2022: Love is something we need in our church. Think
about the people in our church. Select one person in our church. Pray for
that person today.
➔ Thursday, December 8, 2022: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of
Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit
quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray,
asking God's help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.
➔ Friday, December 9, 2022: Think about your family. Some may live with you.
Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God's love? Pray for this
family member today.
➔ Saturday, December 10, 2022: There are people in our neighbourhoods, in our
church, and in our community who need to know of God's love. Select
someone to visit today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by
yourself. It doesn't necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is
someone who waits on you at the grocery store. Stop by today and talk with
that person. Tell the person you visit how you are reminded of God’s love
because of what that person has said or done.

Reading for the 2nd Week

Mon Revelation 1:7-8 Tue Matt 22:41-45 Wed Hosea 11:3-4
Thu Psalm 130 Fri Micah 6:6-8 Sat Jer 14:8-9

Third Week of Advent – Joy

Note: Some Advent wreaths may have one pink candle. The pink candle is always
lit on the third Sunday of Advent and traditionally means "joy." If your wreath has a
pink candle, light this as the third candle this week.

Third Sunday of Advent — Sunday, December 11, 2022

Light the three candles on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

First Reader:This is the third Sunday in Advent. Today we light three purple
candles (OR two purple candles and the pink candle.) The first Sunday, we lit
the candle of hope. On the second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. Today,
we light the candle of joy. One thing that sometimes happens as we get ready
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to celebrate Jesus' birth is we expect to be happy all the time. Joy is not the
same as happy. Joy is a deeper feeling created by knowing that God cares for
us. Joy is remembering that God sent Jesus so we would always know of
God's care. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again God's gift of
Jesus to the world and know the joy that gift brings to all people.
(Light the first, second, and third candles.)

Hymn: [ Refer the last pares]

Second Reader: When we look at the third candle, we remember God's promise
of joy. God promised to send a Saviour to the people. Today, we read from
the Gospel of John. In the Scripture, we read that John was sent by God not
to be the light, but to testify to the light. This reminds us that Jesus brings light
to the world. And where there is light, there is joy and peace and assurance.
When the world seems dark, scary, and frightening, we are reminded that
Jesus brings light, and that brings joy.

First Reader: Read John 1:6-8.

Discussion: Think about a time or a situation when things were

dark. This could mean things were literally dark – in the middle of
the night when a noise scares us, for instance. Or it could be
we felt darkness, such as times when we are frightened and feel
alone and hopeless. Talk together about a time of darkness. Now remember
how it feels to have light – either physically experiencing light that breaks
apart the darkness or feeling comforted and joyful because our feelings of
darkness have ended. How would you describe those feelings? Is joy a word
that you would use at this time?

Who in our world need God’s joy? What are our hopes for joy in our world
today? How do we help others know that God gives joy?

Prayer:
Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the joy remembering
Jesus' birth brings to us today. Help us live in such a way that our words and
our actions help others know of the joy you give. Amen.
➔ Monday, December 12, 2022: Today read again John 1:6-8. Make a list
together of the things that bring light to our lives and make us joyful. Paint
or draw a picture of something that makes you joyful.
➔ Tuesday, December 13, 2022: Is there someone you know who needs to hear
words of joy? Make or select a card for that person and mail it today.
➔ Wednesday, December 14, 2022: Joy is something we need in our city. Think
about different leaders of our city. Select one leader of our city. Pray for
that leader today.
➔ Thursday, December 15, 2022: As we get ready to celebrate again the birth of
Jesus, we sometimes get very busy. Today, take a ten-minute break. Sit
quietly. If it helps you to concentrate, look at your Advent wreath. Pray,
asking God's help to bring quiet and calm to a busy world.

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➔ Friday, December 16, 2022:Think about your family. Some may live with you.
Others may be far away. Who in your family needs God's joy? Pray for this
family member today.
➔ Saturday, December 17, 2022: There are people in our neighbourhoods, in our
church, and in our community who need to know of God's joy. Select
someone to visit today. Visit by phone or in person. Go as a family or by
yourself. It doesn't necessarily have to be a visit to a home. Maybe there is
someone you see in a place where you go to eat. Stop by today and talk
with that person. Tell the person you visit one way he or she brings joy to
you.

Fourth Week of Advent – Peace

Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve — December 18 to 24, 2022

Light the four candles on your wreath and read together the following meditation:

First Reader:This is the fourth Sunday in Advent and Christmas Eve. Today, we
light the four purple candles. (OR three purple candles and the pink candle).
The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. On the second Sunday, we lit the
candle of love. On the third Sunday, we lit the candle of joy. Today, we light
the candle of peace. Our world is not always a peaceful world. People hurt
other people. Countries are at war today. People don't take care of the world.
People yell and scream at other people. But God promises peace. During
Advent, we pray that we, as well as all people, will seek God's peace.
(Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles.)

Hymn: [ Refer the last pares]

Second Reader: When we look at the fourth candle, we remember God's

promise of peace. We recall the words of Jesus in John 14:27, "Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give to you." In times of war and hatred, it's hard to
remember that Jesus is the one who brings peace. As we approach
Christmas, let's remember that God's intention is a place of peace where
people shake hands instead of harm one another.

First Reader: Read Luke 1:47-55. [For weekdays of the 4th week refer below]

Reading for the 4th Week

Mon Matthew 1:20b–21 Tue Luke 1:34–38 Wed Luke 1:42b–45
Thu Luke 1:46–49 Fri Luke 1:62–64 Sat Luke 1:76–79

Second Reader: Inthe Scripture, we hear Mary’s song of praise. There must
have been times when Mary was frightened, worried, fearful, and sad. She
may not have felt very peaceful as she considered her future. Yet her words
help us see the peace that comes when we trust in God.

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Discussion: How privileged we are to have this beautiful song of Mary. Can you
imagine her singing the words written in Scripture? It is a testimony to her faith
at being chosen as God’s servant. And because she embraces God’s future
for her, she faces the future with the assurance of God’s peace.
Who are the people in our world who need God’s peace? What are our hopes
for peace in our world today?

How do we help others know God’s desire for peace in our world?

Prayer:Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for those in our
world today who seek to act for peace. Help us look for ways to be
peacemakers at home, at church and at school. Amen.
Read together Luke 2:1-20. [Christmas Eve]
At the time when Jesus was born, shepherds weren’t considered to be very
important. They had important work to do, but they weren’t people that others
might necessarily invite to their homes. Yet they were invited to meet the baby
Jesus.

Are there people in your family or community who might not be invited to a
Christmas celebration this year? Join hands together. Name those who come
to mind that on this Christmas Eve are alone and forgotten. Together, think of
a way you can recognize and remember some of the forgotten people.
Together, pray for the forgotten people in your home, your church, or your
community.

Sing together as your prayer and hope for Christmas Eve, “Silent Night,”

December 25, 2022 — Christmas Day

Light the four candles on your wreath, plus the centre white candle (which is
called the Christ candle) and read together the following meditation
:
First Reader: Today is Christmas. Today, we light the four purple
candles. (OR three purple candles and the pink candle). We
also light the centre white candle. The first Sunday, we lit the
candle of hope. The second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. The third
Sunday, we lit the candle of joy. The fourth Sunday, we lit the candle of peace.
Today, we also light the centre candle. This candle represents Jesus. When
we light this candle, we remember Jesus' birth. Our waiting has ended.
(Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles. Light the centre white candle.)

All: Sing or read "O Come, All Ye Faithful,"

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Second Reader: When we look at the centre candle, we remember that God
sent Jesus to give hope, peace, joy, and love to all people. Outside of
Bethlehem, the shepherds saw a great light and heard the voices of angels.
They travelled to the manger and saw the baby Jesus.
Far away from Bethlehem, wise men saw a star in the sky. They followed the
star and were filled with joy when they found Jesus. They remind us that the
gift of Jesus was not just for the people in one place, but for all people.

First Reader: Read Matthew 2:1-12.

Discussion: It's
amazing to think of these persistent travellers who were
determined to find Jesus. They travelled with hope and faith in the promise
that they would find the new king. Who are the people in our world who need
to know of God's promises?

What are our hopes on this Christmas Day for our world?

How can we help people remember God's promises after Christmas Day is
over?

Name one thing you are willing to do in the days following Christmas that will
help you and others remember God's promises.

Prayer:
Dear God: Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you, God, for sending Jesus
for ALL people, not just those in one place at one time. On this Christmas
Day, help us remember and rejoice again because Jesus was born. May we
live every day remembering your love and care and showing that love and
care to others. Amen.

Hymns
1. Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep
A new day is dawning for all those who weep The
people in darkness have seen a great light The Lord
of our longing has conquered the night
Let us build the city of God, may our tears be turned into dancing
For the Lord our light and our love, has turned the night into day
We are sons of the morning, we are children of day The
one who has loved us, has brightened our way The Lord
of all kindness, has called us to be
A light for his people, to set their hearts free
2. Bestir Thy power and come Lord, to save our sin laden race
Reveal Thy bounty and goodness, diffuse Thy splendour and grace
Lift your eyes to the hill, seek the Saviour until He appears
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 It is God who comes to our aid, God incarnate our ransom has paid
From the Lord comes release, He makes evil cease all around
Night and day He guards us from harm
We depend on the strength of His arm
Come redeem us Lord and spread Thy peace and concord on the
earth
For Thy second coming we hear, from our bondage and sin we will turn
To our God let us raise, our glad voices in praise and esteem
Render thanks and bless him in song, to Him glory and honour belong

3. Celebrate God with your hands; celebrate God with your voice
Celebrate God in all that you do and He will be with you
Listen to Him with your eyes; listen to Him with your heart
Listen to Him as He speaks with you and He will be with you
Touch Him in all those you love; touch Him in all those you love
Touch Him in them and let them touch you and He will be with you
Celebrate God with us; celebrate God with us
Emmanuel, Emmanuel; celebrate God with us

4. Come Lord Jesus; come, Lord Jesus

Come, Lord Jesus: Come, and be born in our hearts
Come, 0 Prince of Peace; come, 0 Prince of Peace
Come, 0 Prince of Peace: come, and be born in our hearts
Our hearts are open; our hearts are open
Our hearts are open: come and be born in our hearts
Come, Emmanuel; come, Emmanuel
Come, Emmanuel: come, and be born in our hearts

5. Comfort, comfort My people, says the Lord your God

Cry out loud to Jerusalem, God has pardoned you
Every valley shall be filled, every mount and hill made low
In the desert, make a path for the Lord, Emmanuel
For the glory of the Lord soon shall be revealed to me.

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6. Gentle Woman, quiet light; Morning star so strong and bright
Gentle mother, peaceful dove; teach us wisdom, teach us love
You were chosen by the Father; you were chosen for the Son
You were chosen from all women; and for women, shining one
Blessed are you among women; blest in turn all women too
Blest they with peaceful spirits; blest they with gentle hearts

7. Holy Virgin, by God's decree, you were called eternally

That He could give His Son to our race
Mary, we praise you, hail full of grace
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria (2)
By your faith and loving accord, as the handmaid of the Lord
You undertook God's plan to embrace
Mary, we thank you, hail fun of grace

8. Jesus come, Jesus come, Jesus come

Say to us I'm the one who is to come (2)
He will come just when you feel He'll never come
He will come just when you think He is gone He'll be
there just when you find He's elsewhere Please don't be
late, be awake, let Him come
He will come just when you want to shut your door
He will come just when you want to be alone
. He'll be there just when you are not aware
Don't make Him wait, be alert, let Him come
He will come to share His love and peace and joy
He will come to save us from all sin
He'll be there to lift us up when we fall
He's knocking hard, open wide, let Him come

9. Jesus, You're the sweetest name of all

Jesus, You always hear me when I call
Oh, Jesus, You pick me up each time I fall
You're the sweetest, the sweetest name of all
Jesus, how I love to praise Your name
Jesus, you're still the first, the last, the same Oh,
Jesus, You died and took away my shame You're
the sweetest, the sweetest name of all

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 Jesus, You're the soon and coming King Jesus,
we need the love that You can bring Oh, Jesus,
we lift our voices up and sing You're the sweetest,
the sweetest name of all

10. Make me a channel of Your peace

Where there is hatred, let me bring Your love
Where there is injury, Your healing pow'r
And where there's doubt, true faith in You
o Master, grant that I may never seek; so much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love with all my soul
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness, ever joy
Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all that we receive
And in dying that we're born to eternal life

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 This booklet is sponsored by a
well-wisher from the parish

As we pray during Advent,

we remember this family in our payers

Fr. Lincoln Rebello & Br Christopher

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