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.

Advent is a time for waiting; for Christmas programs and parties, for food and presents, for family members to come home for Christmas. Advent reminds us that we are also waiting for God to come to us, God in the form of the baby Jesus, who lived and died and rose for us. We wait for God, who will come again in a new and surprising way. We light the first candle to remind us to wait. The candle is lit.

As we anticipate the coming of the Lord, we look with joy to God who came in Jesus; comes to us now in Word and Sacrament; and will come again at the close of the age to bring about the reconciliation of the world. With Isaiah's song, we look for God's coming as a light in darkness, as joy for your people and as peace and justice.