Advent, the four weeks prior to Christmas, is a difficult for children and families with a deployed loved one. One way you can help is by making them a special candle to be lit each week of Advent.
All you need to do to make this special gift and reach out to those who need it most is to buy a candle and holder and print the ritual below. Take it to them and invite them to light this candle and to remember that God, who is with them, is also with their loved one this holiday season and always!!!
The Christmas Candle:
For Loved Ones Far Away
Blessing of the candle:
God, you are the god of love and light! Sometimes, when I am far from my loved one I feel afraid and worry about them. Bless this candle and remind me that whenever I feel alone or scared, may it remind me that you will always be with me and my loved one bringing light, hope, comfort and peace.
Week #1: Sunday November 30
Light Candle
Read Scripture: “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.” (Luke 2:1-5)
Pray: God, Just as Mary and Joseph had to travel far away from their home, my loved one (name) has traveled far from us. Please be with him/her as you were with Mary and Joseph long ago. Amen.
Week #2: December 7
Light Candle
Read Scripture:
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2: 6-7)
Pray: God, Mary and Joseph could find no place to stay and you provided a warm and safe place for them. Please help my loved one (name) find warmth and safety while they are away and help him/her to remember that we are also safe and warm and not worry about us! Thank you for taking care of all of us! Amen.
Week #3: December 14
Light Candle
Read Scripture:
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)
Pray: God, while the shepherds were watching over their flocks, your angels appeared and brought them good news and comfort. When my loved one is up late at night or early in the morning and whenever they need you, please send angels to bring joy, comfort and love to him/her! Amen!
Week #4: December 21
Light Candle
Read Scripture:
This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,*praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’ (Luke 2:12-14)
Pray: God, When Jesus was born, there was so much joy! Angels sang and prayed for peace. We pray for peace as well and for an end to this war and peace on earth! Amen!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Light Candle
Read Scripture: (Entire story from above)
Pray: God, I know that my loved one (name) is celebrating the birth of your son, Jesus. Please let us all feel joy and happiness in our hearts and even though we are apart, remind us that we are very close in our hearts and joy this Christmas and forever!