Open Advent Wreath Liturgy: Week 2 (Peace)

Last week we lit the candle of Hope, remembering the light of God that cannot be overcome by darkness. Today we light the second candle of Advent as symbol of the Peace that God renews in us. May this light remind us to seek God’s peace that surpasses all understanding. 

+ O holy Child of Bethlehem, make us instruments of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let us bring love. Where there is darkness, let us shine light. O come to us, abide with us, Emmanuel. 

+ O holy Child of Bethlehem, in your presence may our souls feel their sacred worth. May Your light cause us to shine so bright that we bring hope into the dark. O come to us, abide with us, Emmanuel. 

+ O holy Child of Bethlehem, peace for the restless—your law is love and your gospel is peace. In your name, may all oppression cease. O come to us, abide with us, Emmanuel. 

*Light the Peace Candle.*

O God of Peace, we live in a hurting world. We are acknowledge that far too many are suffering, isolated, displaced, oppressed, weary and hopeless. God, open us to the light of Your hope and peace so that we may have the courage to carry Your light into dark places. May Your peace that surpasses all understanding be born anew in us and in our world during this Advent season. Amen.