2023 Advent Worship Series
A Journey of Renewal
In this Advent series, “A Journey of Renewal,” informed by Richard’s sabbatical travels, we embark on a spiritual journey of renewal, revival, and regeneration. Like Richard’s quest for renewal in different places, we’ll explore how this Advent season can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal and collective renewal. Each Sunday, we’ll delve into themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, discovering how they intersect with our sabbatical journey and our longing for home.
Advent Candle Lighting
Advent 1: December 3, 2023 – “Hope”
Liturgist: Today, we light the first candle of Advent, the candle of hope. This candle symbolizes the hope we have in Christ’s coming, the hope that dawned with His birth in a humble manger.
Reader: Isaiah 64:1-9
Liturgist: In this season of Advent, we eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s promises and the dawn of a new era.
Reader: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Liturgist: We look to God to restore us, to bring hope to our weary hearts.
Light the first candle.
Together: May the light of this candle remind us that in Christ, our hope is secure. Through Him, we find hope for the future and the strength to endure.
Advent 2: December 10, 2023 – “Peace”
Liturgist: Today, we light the second candle of Advent, the candle of peace. This candle represents the peace that Christ brings into our world and into our lives.
Reader: Isaiah 40:1-11
Liturgist: As we journey through Advent, we find comfort in the promise of Christ’s peace.
Reader: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Liturgist: God’s love and faithfulness bring about a peace that transcends understanding.
Light the first and second candles.
Together: As we light these candles, may we experience the peace of Christ in our hearts and share it with a world in need.
Advent 3: December 17, 2023 – “Joy”
Liturgist: Today, we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of joy. This candle symbolizes the joy that fills our hearts as we celebrate the arrival of our Savior.
Reader: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Liturgist: In this season, we rejoice in the transformative power of Christ’s presence.
Reader: Psalm 126
Liturgist: Even in times of sorrow, we hold onto the promise of joy in Christ.
Light the first, second, and third candles.
Together: May the light of these candles ignite the joy in our hearts as we celebrate the birth of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Advent 4: December 24, 2023 – “Love”
Liturgist: Today, we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of love. This candle represents the love that shines forth from the Christ child born in Bethlehem.
Reader: Isaiah 7:10-16
Liturgist: God’s love is made manifest in the birth of Jesus, offering us profound love and renewal.
Reader: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Liturgist: God’s faithful love ensures an everlasting renewal of our spirits.
Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles.
Together: As we gather by the warm glow of these candles, may we embrace the love and renewal found in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.