The 2009 Christmas Fund Advent Candle Liturgy

Christmas Day December 25th, 2009 The annual Christmas Fund – Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund -- offers hope through pension supplements to active and retired clergy and lay employees who have been messengers of hope to churches throughout the United Church of Christ.

See I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me … (Malachi 3:1a) Reader 1: See I am sending my messanger to prepare the way before me… (malachi 3:1a)

We light our first candle because we are the messengers of Hope – long ago and everyday. (Light the first candle) Lighter: We light our first candle because we are the messengers of Hope – long ago and everyday.

The Candle of Hope Lighter: (Light the first candle) The annual Christmas Fund – Veterans of the Cross and Emergency Fund -- offers hope through pension supplements to active and retired clergy and lay employees who have been messengers of hope to churches throughout the United Church of Christ. Lighter: (Light the first candle)

We light our second candle because God has prepared Peace for us – from the first angel song to the peacemakers of our generation. (Light the second candle) Lighter: We light our second candle because God has prepared Peace for us – from the first angel song to the peacemakers of our generation.

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

(Light the third candle (rose)) We light the third candle because God sends us Joy in the simple symbols of this season, in the sanctuary of this holy day, in the faces of all we meet. (Light the third candle (rose)) Lighter: We light the third candle because God sends us Joy in the simple symbols of this season, in the sanctuary of this holy evening, in the faces of all we meet. (Light Candle)

The Candle of Joy 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. Lighter: (Light the third candle (often called the Rose Candle))

We light the fourth candle because love comes before us in Bethlehem’s story and we, like shepherds and magi, gather around it. (Light the fourth candle) Lighter: We light the fourth candle because love comes before us in Bethlehem’s story and we, like shepherds and magi, gather around it (Light Candle) (Four people may make these statements and light the candles.)

The Candle of Love Lighter: (Light the fourth candle) Both active and retired clergy and lay employees experience love as emergency assistance in time of need from the annual Christmas Fund. Lighter: (Light the fourth candle)

Tonight we light the Christ Candle so we can Tonight we light the Christ Candle so we can sit awhile in its light and hear the story with open hearts, and then we can go out again to share it with all of God’s children. (light the Christ Candle) Reader 2: Tonight we light the Christ Candle so we can sit a while in its light and hear the story with open hearts, and then we can go out again to share it. With all of God’s children

The Christ Candle Lighter: (light the Christ Candle) 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 Christ Candle)

(Let us pray) Emmanuel, we have prepared for this evening (morning) in wise and sometimes frivolous ways. We have hushed and rushed, and yet we are never completely ready for the hope, peace, joy, love and sheer wonder of the good tidings that now we sing and speak, pray and light in our hearts. You are always a surprise! Amen Reader 1: (let us pray) Emmanuel, we have prepared for this evening in wise and sometimes frivolous ways. We have hushed and rushed, and yet we are never completely ready for the hope, peace, joy, love and sheer wonder of the good tidings that now we sing and speak, pray and light in our hearts. You are always a surprise! Amen