First Sunday in Advent 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.

The Gospel of Luke tells us – “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” Reader 1: The Gospel of Luke tells us – “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

As we begin the season of Advent, we celebrate the shepherds who lived in the region of Bethlehem so long ago. They watched over their sheep year in and year out, trusting in the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. They had no idea how close they were to the fulfillment of that promise. Every day they woke up and went to sleep with hope. Today we light the Candle of Hope in their honor. Reader 2: As we begin the season of Advent, we celebrate the shepherds who lived in the region of Bethlehem so long ago. They watched over their sheep year in and year out, trusting in the prophecies of the coming of the Messiah. They had no idea how close they were to the fulfillment of that promise. Everyday they woke up and went to sleep with hope. Today we light the Candle of Hope in their honor.

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 1st Candle)

Please pause to honor in your heart someone who has watched over you. 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. 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, 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. 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