My daughter Emmy and I wrote this little play for our Church. It is now a beautiful part of our own advent tradition. Please feel free to share these readings in your own home:)
Introduction:
-
I am the wreath and I am a symbol of
advent. Advent is the time of preparation before Christmas day. I represent God
himself, his eternity, love and endless mercy which have no beginning or end.
I express the hope that people have in
God; the hope of newness, renewal and eternal life.
Cedar branches can be woven into me,
they symbolise healing and strength. Holly berries are placed on me to
represent sacrificial love and the blood of Christ which was shed on the cross.
Holly leaves are also placed on me to signify the crown of thorns that was put
on the head of Jesus at his crucifixion. Pinecones are put on me to symbolise
life and resurrection. Laurel can be woven through me and this represents victory
over persecution, suffering and death.
Finally, I hold the four outer candles.
They represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of advent, which,
in turn, symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and
the birth of Christ.
There are three purple candles and one
pink. The three purple candles are used for the first, second and third weeks
of advent, they symbolise: Hope, peace and love. The pink candle is used for
the fourth week of advent and symbolises joy.
I also encircle the white candle, and
that represents the light that our Lord Jesus brought into the world on
Christmas day.
First Candle:-
I am the
first candle. I am hope. Do you want to know why I am the most important candle?
Just listen to my story.
Once, long
ago in the vast stillness of a desert night three wise kings of the east noticed
something shine like a diamond from the coal black sky. It was a star; a star never charted nor gazed
upon before. In that shimmering silence of the desert it shone, brighter than
any star had ever done before or since.
They
wondered as all men are bound to, whether they should leave their families,
their work and their home to take this trip of a lifetime. Follow the call of
the prophets who had spoken in ancient tongues about this sign.
Without
knowing where they would end up, they mounted their camels with the barest
provisions and stepped out into the night. Yes, this star had kindled something
within their hearts too.
It was hope.
And although
the journey was long, the star lit their path.
When they
found the child, these three wise and learned Kings took off their crowns and
bowed. Then they laid down their gifts at his little feet.
It is hope
that leads us through the night to the stable. Hope that finds the Christ
child. I am hope. I am the most important.
Without me
you can’t even begin your journey.
Second
Candle:-
I am Peace.
I am the most special part of the Christmas
wreathe and I’m sure you’ll agree once you’ve heard my story.
Once long
ago some shepherds were watching their flocks through the night. In those days wolves prowled and lambs could
easily wander off so they needed to be carefully watched both day and night. This
night was just as any other, no different. The younger shepherd boys played
with the little lambs and the men told old, worn but favourite stories to pass
the long night. Suddenly they could hear a rustling in the distant brush. They
all fell silent. The boys held their lambs tight in fear and the men reached
for their staffs.
Suddenly,
from out of nowhere, an unknown figure drew close to their little group. The
figure was surrounded by a gentle, golden light.
At first the
younger boys huddled together in fear. Even the men covered their faces with
their hands. Then the angel spoke.
"DO NOT
BE AFRAID.FOR I BRING NEWS OF GREAT JOY. YOU WILL FIND A BABY
WRAPPED IN SWADDLING CLOTHES.....LYING IN A MANGER."
And suddenly
all their fear fell away like a heavy coat of armour.
All that was
left on that ragged hill was peace.
I am peace.
Peace is the
gift Jesus brings. It is a gift unlike anything the world can give.
This is why I am the most special candle of
all.
Third Candle:-
I am joy and
I am the most wonderful candle of all. Please stay a while and share in my
happiness.
I am the
carol singing of Christmas Eve and peal of the bells on Christmas morning.
I am the
feeling the three Kings felt when they reached that simple dwelling of the Holy
Family.
I am the
feeling the shepherds felt when they knew that out of all the great men of the
world, the angel had come to bring his message to them, the poor and lowly
first!
I am the
party to prepare for and enjoy. I am God’s smile upon His people. I am the
blessing a Father gives his child.
I am joy.
This is why
I am the most wonderful thing about Christmas.
Fourth Candle:-
I am love
and that is what Christmas is all about. I am the reason for the season. I am
also the # 1 gift of the season.
I am swaddled tight and good within every
human heart.
All you’ve
got to do is un-wrap me!
I am the
bringing together. I make us all a family; Rich and poor, simple and wise,
strangers and friends, heaven and earth.
I am Love.
And this is
why I am all that matters most.
Last Candle:-
I am the
Christ candle, the white candle, the light of the world.
I am the
last candle to be lit.
All the other candles were simply preparing
for this moment; the moment when hope, peace, joy and love were born into the
world through the first breath of a newborn baby.
I am pure
white like light.
Long ago in
the musty depths of a stable filled with animals and hay a young girl wrapped
her first born child in simple, white swaddling bands. What must she have been
thinking as she gazed into his eyes? As her heart swelled and brimmed with love.
What were her first words to him?
Did she see
in his little face the life that was to come?
Did she wonder at the dark and distant places his light was born to
shine in?
I am the
last candle, the Christ candle the light of the world.
This is why
I am the most honoured candle of all.
Wreathe:-
Dear
candles! All of us signify important stages in the journey of advent.
God is
eternal like the circle and each one of you is a part of that circle.
Without even
one of you that circle would not be whole, would not be holy.
Look out
beyond yourselves!
Friends and
family have gathered around this circle that we have made. Hand in hand they
are singing and praying and spreading joy outwards.
Yes! Our
message is rippling in ever increasing circles, widening, embracing,
enveloping, illuminating more and more of the darkness.
Replacing
despair with hope, fear with peace, and hatred with love until the light of
Christ shines in each one of us!
