Today we once again light the candles of hope, peace,

and joy. We also light the fourth candle, the candle of

love.

We start today’s celebration with the sign of the cross.

In the name of the Father,

The Son, and the Holy Spirit.

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright;

A candle of Hope in December's dark night.

While angels sing blessings from heav'n's starry sky

Our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh.

A candle is burning, a candle of Peace;

A candle to signal that conflict must cease.

For Jesus is coming to show us the way;

A message of Peace humbly laid in the hay.

A candle is burning, a candle of Joy;

A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.

Our hearts fill with wonder and eyes light and glow

As Joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.

A candle is burning, a candle of Love;

A candle to point us to heaven above.

A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth;

For Jesus is bringing God's Love to our earth.

The angels announced the good news of a Savior.  God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in God shall not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to punish the world, but to save the world through him.”

(John 3:16-17)

God’s Promise to King David

When you die I will make one of your sons king and I will keep his

kingdom strong.

Firs

t R

eadin

g (

2 S

am

uel 7

: 1

-16

)

Response: Thanks be to God

Response:

Forever I will sing of your steadfast

love, O Lord

Resp

onso

rial Psa

lm (

Psa

lm 8

9)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (1:26-38)

Response: Glory to you, O Lord.

“I am God’s servant, and will do whatever he asks.

Let everything happen just as you

have said”.Response:

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Gosp

el (L

uke

1:

26

-38

)

Gabriel visits Mary

Response:

“My heart rejoices in the love of the Lord”

Hail Mary, full of grace.Our Lord is with thee.Blessed art thou among women,and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God,pray for us sinners,now and at the hour of our death.Amen.

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright;A candle of Hope in December's dark night.While angels sing blessings from heav'n's starry skyOur hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh.

A candle is burning, a candle of Peace;A candle to signal that conflict must cease.For Jesus is coming to show us the way;A message of Peace humbly laid in the hay.

A candle is burning, a candle of Joy;A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.Our hearts fill with wonder and eyes light and glowAs Joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.

A candle is burning, a candle of Love;A candle to point us to heaven above.A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth;For Jesus is bringing God's Love to our earth.

Merry

Christm

as!