Scripture
Tonight, on Christmas Eve, we relight the candles of the Advent wreath and recall what each one has meant to us this year. 
Read John 1:1-17 (or at least vv. 1-5, 9, and 17). 

Scripture
Luke 2:9-11 says, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David [...]

Scripture
On the night Jesus was born, “There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them”  (Luke 2:8-9).
Song
Sing a Christmas carol, like Angels We Have Heard on High, that tells the story of the shepherds.
Question  (a child, if possible)
Why do we [...]

Scripture
The prophet wrote, “But you, Bethlehem, David’s country, the runt of the litter— From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule Israel. He’ll be no upstart, no pretender.  His family tree is ancient and distinguished.”  (Micah 5:2, The Message)

               The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition dating back at least to the nineteenth century.  Wreaths are used in homes and churches to focus on the meaning of Advent and the anticipation of Christmas. 
               One of the first Advent wreaths incorporated 23 candles – 19 colored ones for weekdays and four white ones [...]