It’s the season of light. Christmas lights surround us and captivate the children among us and the child within. In worship the light is much more subdued as each week we simply add one more candle flame to the Advent wreath. While the growing light might not be noticeable, the true Light that has come down to earth touches each one of us, and we in turn are called to share the light of Christ with others.
This litany has two parts. Each part can be used on its own, or both can be used in one service. Part 1 can be used near the beginning of worship and Part 2 as a sending at the end.
For those in southern climates, feel free to adapt the opening paragraph to fit your context.
PART 1
Leader: Sheltered from the snow and wind, we are gathered here today in Advent hope. During these months when daylight grows scarce, we remember the anticipation of our Savior, who, in perfect sacrificial love, lowered himself into a feed trough to redeem his creation.
All: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. (Isa. 9:2)
Leader: God entered a rebellious, wayward, and broken world, and absolutely everything changed. Today we are reminded of the hope of our Messiah.
All: His life has brought us life, that light has shone in the darkness, and the shadows have not, and will never, put out its flame. (John 1:4-5)
Leader: Though the newspaper headlines echo sin’s curse,
Choir: the light of Christ will never be extinguished.
Leader: Though wars rage on, and injustice plagues creation,
Choir: the light of Christ will never be extinguished.
Leader: In the midst of economic crises, student loans, and unanticipated bills,
Choir: the light of Christ will never be extinguished.
Leader: In the face of cancer, in the waiting room,
Choir: the light of Christ will never be extinguished.
Leader: Surrounded by strained and broken relationships,
Choir: the light of Christ will never be extinguished.
All: No, and what is more, your kingdom of Light is spreading.
Leader: The Light of the world has begun making all things new.
Choir: Resurrection floods the world like daybreak.
Leader: The sick are healed.
Choir: Your kingdom come,
Leader: The dead breathe new life.
Choir: Your will be done,
Leader: The brokenhearted are restored.
Choir: On earth
Leader: Sinners are forgiven.
Choir: As it is in heaven.
All: Amen.
Part 2
All: Send us out into the darkness, driven by your Spirit, alive in your grace, to bring the light of your salvation into a world of shadows.
Choir: “May we let our light shine for all to see,
Leader: for God’s glory rises, more faithfully and beautifully than the most breathtaking sunrise, to shine upon us.
Choir: Darkness black as night covers all the nations of the earth
Leader: but the majesty and power of the Most High climbs the sky and falls upon us.
Choir: And all nations will come to your light.” (Isa. 60:1-3)
All: Amen.