This should be used when lighting advent candles. Sunday School classes and individuals can prepare items to be hung from a BLESSING TREE. These can include some larger symbols recognizable from a distance, and smaller items from individuals. Congregation members may be asked to place "their blessings" on the tree. The traditional PROPHECY, BETHLEHEM, SHEPHERDS' AND ANGELS' CANDLES ARE LIGHTED IN THE USUAL ORDER.

ADVENT READING for the First Sunday In Advent (Prophet Candle). Introduction The first Advent candle is traditionally called the Prophecy Candle. We rejoice that God prepares our lives through prophecy to receive Christ when he comes. The words from Isaiah 9:2-7 prepare us to receive Christ as the child who comes to us in Bethlehem. Isaiah's words also prepare us to receive Christ when he comes again in power. At that time he will fulfill the promise to be Prince of Peace and Wonderful Counselor for all times and there will truly be no end to his gracious kingdom.

1st Sunday in Advent, based on the "O Antiphons." Verse 1 of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" LBW 34 is sung. Introduction The first candle we light today reminds us that Christ is "Emmanuel"; which means "God with us". We praise God that through Christ he is with us; and we anticipate that, in his return, Christ will bring God's presence to us in a powerful and glorious way, which we can not even imagine. The first advent candle is lit as the text is read.