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 light the third candle?
There are moments in life which prompt us all to realize how little we know, and how wrong have been our presumptions about others. I’m experiencing one of those moments this fall while reading and following a book about Ignatian spirituality. Six weeks ago I couldn’t have told you much about Ignatius. Because he was a Catholic, I guess I presumed he wouldn’t have much to add to my devotional life. I was wrong.
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)
I’ve been learning new ways to read Scripture and pray its message. Perhaps I’ll share more detail in a future sermon, but I am more anxious to share these fresh angles on prayer and the Bible than I am to explain them. This time of year finding new meaning in familiar stories from the Bible is quite necessary, especially as a preacher.
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 for Sundays. This was a way of helping children count down the days to Christmas. The tradition has standardized into four colored candles (sometimes red, more often three purple and one rose/pink) with a white candle in the middle.