Second Sunday in Advent The Christmas Fund health premium supplements bring peace of mind and spirit to many retired pastors, musicians, sextons and administrators.

The Gospel of Luke tells us – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, good will among all people.’” Reader 1: The Gospel of Luke Tells us – “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, good will among all people.”

Last week we lit the Candle of Hope and remembered the shepherds of the Bethlehem hills and the shepherds we have known in our lives. We remember them again in this light. Reader 2: Last week we lit the Candle of Hope and remembered the shepherds of the Bethlehem hills and the shepherds we have known in our lives. We remember them again in this light.

The Candle of Hope The Christmas Fund offers hope to active and retired clergy and active and retired lay employees because they can receive emergency assistance in time of need. Lighter: (Light the first candle)

On this second Sunday in Advent we celebrate the angel’s song of glory to God and peace on earth. We still need peace. Peace in families and communities, peace at workplace and church, peace within and between nations, and peace-filled care for fragile creation itself. Today we light the Candle of Peace because we believe it is possible. Reader 1: On this second Sunday in Advent we celebrate the angel’s song of glory to God and peace on earth. We still need peace. Peace in families and communities, peace at workplace and church, peace within and between nations, and peace-filled care for fragile creation itself. Today we light the Candle of Peace because we believe it is possible. (Silence. In some churches people may softly name personal concerns, local conflicts, places of global strife, particular names of those who have died in war or are currently in military or humanitarian service)

The Candle of Peace The Christmas Fund health premium supplements bring peace of mind and spirit to many retired pastors, musicians, sextons and administrators. Lighter: (Light the 2nd Candle)

The angels sang, not to monarchs and Caesars, but to shepherds in the Bethlehem fields. We are the ones who hear the echo even now. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God’ …meaning us. Please pause and recall prayerfully a situation of conflict in which you can make a difference. Reader 1: In every region and in every time there are those who keep watch faithfully over the well-being of others. Some of these are pastors or teachers, doctors or nurses, counselors or coaches, parents or grandparents, neighbors or friends. Please pause to honor in your heart someone who has watched over you. (Silence. In some churches people may feel free to softly voice names of watchers they have known.)

(Let us pray) Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, we give you thanks for ministries of reconciliation and grace in our churches and your urging to take the angels’ song into the world. O God, let your face shine on families, schools, communities, nations and even on us who, in this hurried, harried season, often need peace of mind and spirit. Amen. Reader 2: (let us pray) Emmanuel, god promised and with us, we give you thanks for all who have watched over us, for the hope of your coming and for teaching us to become your shepherds. O God, let your face shine in this church and in each of our lives in the week to come. Amen