ADVENT means arrival and is the season when Christians all over the world celebrate the arrival of God’s
Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. This year’s Advent season will be celebrated as follows:
First Sunday of Advent December 1
Second Sunday of Advent December 8
Third Sunday of Advent December 15
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22
Christmas Eve December 24
As you plan worship for your congregation for this beautiful season of corporate worship, please consider the following helpful ideas:
THE USE OF POETRY AND NARRATIVE – Enhance worship this Advent Season but utilizing poetry and narrative resources. There are many worship resources available which include Advent poetry, stories and other literary contributions. Careful selection and implementation can enhance the natural beauty of worship during this special season. Here are some short readers theatre scripts to consider:
ADVENT WREATH – The Advent Wreath has been used in Christian worship since the 16th century and serves as a teaching and remembering tool for worshipers. There are several variations on “what to call the candles” on the wreath. Here are some standard designations:
EXAMPLE 1
December 1 The Prophets' Candle (symbolizing hope)
December 8 Bethlehem Candle (symbolizing faith)
December 15 Shepherds' Candle (symbolizing joy)
December 22 Angel's Candle (symbolizing peace)
December 24 Christ Candle
EXAMPLE 2
December 1 Candle of Hope
December 8 Candle of Peace
December 15 Candle of Joy
December 22 Candle of Love
December 24 Christ Candle
EXAMPLE 3
December 1 Prophet Candle
December 8 Angel Candle
December 15 Shepherd Candle
December 22 Magi Candle
December 24 Christ Candle
Here is an affordable best-selling resource for Advent Wreath Scripts.
COMMON SONG – Incorporating common musical elements for each Sunday of Advent helps provide continuity. Repetition over these few worship services is helpful, especially since many worshipers may not attend each Advent service. Here is an excellent and best-selling musical resource by Dan Mattix for a common song for Advent use.
MULTI-SENSORY – Try incorporating multi-sensory elements during the Advent Season. The Advent Season is naturally geared toward images, smells, and sounds. Consider ways to implement these into corporate worship for wonderfully enhanced Advent experiences.
USE OF LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE – The Lectionary is a list of portions of the Bible appointed to be read at a church service. These key passages were selected to give guidance to Christian worship planning throughout the year. This year’s Advent Season begins YEAR C of the Lectionary Cycle (there are 3 lectionary years – A, B, C). John & Audra Parker have combined these lectionary scriptures into downloadable reader’s theatre scripts here.
MUSIC – Musical elements during the Advent Season are very important to the corporate worship experience. There are so many wonderful musical resources for the Advent Season. Consider this collection of Advent/Christmas chorals for choirs of all kinds.
May you and your congregation have a wonder-filled and deeply worshipful Advent Season.
Blessings,
John Parker
Easychoirmusic.com