The second of the advent candle liturgies that we are using in Dundonald Methodist this year... and as we do so tomorrow we do it against the background of serious civil disturbance, where peace, real peace is shown to be in serious short supply:
Last Sunday we lit
the first candle of our Advent wreath - the candle of hope. Today we light the
second candle, the candle of peace.
When we speak
of peace we speak of the Biblical
concept of Shalom, not simply of the absence of conflict but the presence of
justice, peace and wellbeing: all good things and all things good…
The prophet Isaiah wrote:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9: 2 & 6 (ANIV)
(The first and second candles
are lit as the congregation sings the following verse and chorus of "O
Come, O come Emmanuel")
O come O King of Kings, come to embrace,
and unify the human race;
command our sad divisions cease
and be for us the Prince of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Latin 13th century translated by John M Neale (1818-1866)
Jubilate Hymns version adapted
Prayer
Loving God, in this time of preparation and planning,
We thank you for the hope and peace you offer us that this world never
can.
We pray that you may reveal to us the healing power of hope,
And embed within us that peace that is much more than the absence of
conflict.
Where there is
division and discord, injustice and inequality
whether between
countries, within families, or within our own hearts,
pour in your peace.
May we be channels of
your peace, agents of reconciliation
Forgiving as we have
been forgiven.
We desire to walk in your ways
To seek peace and pursue it.
AMEN
Benediction (for the end of the service)
We began this service
reflecting on the peace that Christ promises:
Go from this place in
peace with the hope of Christ in your hearts,
Not just as
peace-lovers but as peace-makers.
The good news of
Advent is this:
The Prince of Peace is
coming.
AMEN. Come Lord Jesus
Shalom
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