Fourth Sunday in Advent The Christmas Fund offers hope to those who have brought the good news of Christ’s birth to many churches in the United Church of Christ by pension supplements.

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger -- who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Reader 1: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger – who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

We light again the Candle of Hope and remember those who bring us the good news of Christ’s Advent. Lighter: We light again the Candle of Hope and remember those who bring us the good news of Christ’s Advent.

Candle of Hope The Christmas Fund offers hope to those who have brought the good news of Christ’s birth to many churches in the United Church of Christ by pension supplements. Lighter: (Light the First Candle)

We light again the Candle of Peace and claim the Peace on Earth which once was sung by angels. Lighter: We light again the Candle of Peace and claim the Peace on Earth which once was sung by angels.

Candle of Peace The Christmas Fund’s health supplements bring peace of mind to many retired pastors. Lighter: (Light the Second Candle)

We light the Candle of Joy and celebrate that our church is a place of festivity, tenderness and justice. Lighter: We light the Candle of Joy and celebrate that our church is a place of festivity, tenderness and justice.

Candle of Joy Both active and retired clergy receive emergency assistance in time of need from the Christmas Fund. Lighter: (Light the third candle)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” This is the Candle of Love. God becomes a human baby. Ruling becomes serving. Stars shine in stables and anyone who can find the star in the sky can find the way to God. As we light this candle, let us pause to remember those we love who need some guidance. Reader 2: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” This is the Candle of Love. God becomes a human baby. Ruling becomes serving. Stars shine in stables and anyone who can find the star in the sky can find the way to God. As we light this candle, let us pause to remember those we love who need some guidance.

Candle of Love The Christmas Fund sends Christmas gift checks to retired clergy, among them this year more than ______ who are one hundred years old or older Lighter: (Light the Fourth Candle) (Silence. In some churches people may feel free to softly voice names for intercessory prayer.)

In the reign of God which is before us and yet among us, lions and lambs lie down together, families re-unite, the golden-aged listen to the children’s pageant, and love is born in every life. Reader 1: In the reign of God which is before us and yet among us, lions and lambs lie down together, families re-unite, the golden-aged listen to the children’s pageant, and love is born in every life.

(let us pray) Emmanuel, God coming and with us, in this last sweet and ragged week of Advent, light our hearts with love for all the messengers of your hope, peace, and joy around us, and light our hearts with love for all those who need us to be messengers. Amen. Reader 2: (let us pray) Emmanuel, God coming and with us, in this last sweet and ragged week of Advent, light our hearts with love for all the messengers of your hope, peace, and joy around us, and light our hearts with love for all those who need us to be messengers. Amen.