The 2010 Christmas Fund Advent Candle Liturgy Reading will begin on Slide 3

The Third Sunday in Advent December 12th, 2010 The annual Christmas Fund – Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund -- sends Christmas gift checks that bring joy to retired clergy [and lay workers???] – this year more than _____ of whom are one hundred years old or older. Reading will begin on Slide 3

Last week we lit the Candle of Hope and the Candle of Peace and these candles are shorter not because they are less important but because they have been lighting a lot of darkness. We re-light them today because nothing and nobody is eliminated when we “dance with the Bethlehem Star.” Reader 1: Last week we lit the Candle of Hope and the Candle of Peace and these candles are shorter not because they are less important but because they have been lighting a lot of darkness. We re-light them today because nothing and nobody is eliminated when we “dance with the Bethlehem Star.”

The Candle of Hope and the Candle of Peace Lighter: (Lights the First and Second Candle) The annual Christmas Fund – Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund health supplements bring peace of mind and spirit to many retired pastors, musicians, sextons and administrators.

The magi asked Herod, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews. For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Mt.2:2) Reader 2: The magi asked Herod, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews. For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Mt.2:2)

This is the Candle of Joy This is the Candle of Joy. We have found the joy that only hints to us in Posadas and piñatas, in our pine boughs and parties. This joy is more truly secret than any Santa; this joy is a gift no Yankee nor Texan, no Appalachian nor Alaskan need ever swap. Lighter: This is the Candle of Joy. We have found the joy that only hints to us in Posadas and piñatas, in our pine boughs and parties. This joy is more truly secret than any Santa; this joy is a gift no Yankee nor Texan, no Appalachian nor Alaskan need ever swap.

The Candle of Joy Lighter: (Lights the Third Candle, In some churches this is a rose candle) The annual Christmas Fund – Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund -- sends Christmas gift checks that bring joy to retired clergy and lay workers – this year more than 30 of whom are one hundred years old or older.

We know where hope is born – in joy to the world We know where hope is born – in joy to the world. We know where peace is born – in joy to the world. We have found Emmanuel, God-with-us in this season of Advent and in our lives and we open our homes and bring our homage – joy to the world. Reader 1: We know where hope is born – in joy to the world. We know where peace is born – in joy to the world. We have found Emmanuel, God-with-us in this season of Advent and in our lives and we open our homes and bring our homage – joy to the world.

(Let us pray) Emmanuel, God with us, let us shine with hope and pass the peace we have found. In all places and all times, but especially in places of sorrow and times of fear, help us let our joy come out and play, and may we always, with heaven and nature, sing. Amen. Reader 2: (Let us pray) Emmanuel, God with us, let us shine with hope and pass the peace we have found. In all places and all times, but especially in places of sorrow and times of fear, help us let our joy come out and play, and may we always, with heaven and nature, sing. Amen.

Unison Prayer The magi asked Herod, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews. For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Mt2:2) Emmanuel, god promised and always with us, help us find our joy-destination. We seek not Herod-quest, but your map. Not in palaces, perhaps not even in churches, is a waiting moment of joy. Keep us watchful. Not in all our plans, perhaps not even in our pageants, in an opportunity to share joy. Let us joy and re-joy-ce in your grace for ourselves, for this church and for your precious world. Amen. Unison Prayer The magi asked Herod, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews. For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Mt2:2) Emmanuel, god promised and always with us, help us find our joy-destination. We seek not Herod-quest, but your map. Not in palaces, perhaps not even in churches, is a waiting moment of joy. Keep us watchful. Not in all our plans, perhaps not even in our pageants, in an opportunity to share joy. Let us joy and re-joy-ce in your grace for ourselves, for this church and for your precious world. Amen.