Lighting of Advent Wreath - Advent I

The following may be used for the lighting of the Advent Wreath. You may want to light the new candle for that Sunday at the beginning of the service (before, after or during the opening hymn), during a Children's time, or before the Sermon. There are 2 forms provided, appropriate for the BCP and the BAS. These forms allows you to draw out some of the memorable verses of the Scripture for the day. Some may want to bless the wreath on the 1st Sunday. You might use the Christmas Anthems (BCP p.104) and the 2nd Collect for Christmas (BCP p.107) for the lighting of the white / Christ candle on Christmas Eve or Day. The verses are short and easy enough to be read by children. The Advent Collect is to be used every Sunday in addition to the Collect for the Day, and fits well here.

V.  The night is far spent,
R.  The day is at hand;
V.  Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness
R.  And let us put on the armour of light.

The lighting of the 1st candle

V.  Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord;
R.  Hosanna in the Highest!
Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

- OR -

V.  The night is far gone,
R.  The day is at hand;
V.  Let us then cast off the works of darkness
R.  And put on the armour of light.

The lighting of the 1st candle

V.  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
R.  Hosanna in the Highest!
Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people, that richly bearing the fruit of good works, we may by you be richly rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.