STEP 1: LIGHT THE FIRST & SECOND CANDLE
The increase in light from week to week is meant to symbolize the coming of the light of the world- JESUS! The second candle represents love and prophecy of a coming Savior.
STEP 2: WATCH THE VIDEO
STEP 3: READ THE SCRIPTURE
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine... For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s armies will make this happen!”
—Isaiah 9:2,6-7
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:14-16
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.”
—John 1:4-9
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
—John 8:12
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 4:6
STEP 4: SING A CAROL
STEP 5: DO AN ACTIVITY
IDEA #1: For young children, go into a dark room with a light stick. Break it and talk about how light is powerful in darkness. What are it’s effects?
IDEA #2: Bring out a variety of candles and place them around the room. Turn off all your lights and light each candle one by one. Spend a moment of prayer thanking the LORD for who he is.
STEP 6: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Question #1: Talk about what each name listed in Isaiah 9 means to you. (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace)
Question #2: For young children, go into a dark room with a flashlight and talk about how light is powerful in darkness. How has Jesus shed light on dark spots in our world?
Question #3: Think of someone specific. How can you be a light in their world this week?
STEP 7: PRAYER
Lord, we light this candle tonight to thank You for Your son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. We once lived in darkness, but in You we have see a great light of love and salvation. Thank you!
Amen