SCRIPTURE TO READ
John 1:1-17
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”) 16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
CHILDREN’S BIBLE READINGS (OPTIONAL)
- Jesus Storybook Bible, “Heaven Breaks Through” (pages 200-207)
READ ALOUD
Today we join with the angels in heaven, the shepherds in the fields, the wise men from the east, and the millions of faithful followers across the globe to come and adore him — Christ the Lord — the light of the world.
On this Christmas day, we light the CHRIST candle on the Advent Wreath acknowledging that Jesus is our perfect fulfillment of HOPE. He is our perfect example of LOVE. He is our perfect pathway to real JOY. And he is our only hope for true PEACE.
In the Advent of Christ we find Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace.
Light the candle of Christ
PRAYER
CHILDREN’S PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for forgiving us and for coming to save us. Help me to tell my friends how much you love us.
ADULT’S PRAYER
Father, we know we do not deserve the gift of your love and forgiveness, but you give freely. May we receive it with thankfulness and affection for you. Thank you for your mercy and the glorious gift of your grace. Help us live in a way that celebrates your goodness and shines your light to the world.