Advent Candle walking liturgy

by: Chloe Axford

This simple interactive Advent candle liturgy involves the whole congregation and uses the whole church. It offers a fresh take on the traditional lighting of the Advent crown on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas.

Beforehand set up an "Advent candle" station in each of the four corners of the church - one for each Sunday of Advent. Use large candles decorated with holly and ivy etc. Have small pieces of paper or card which people can write prayers on (this is optional if you feel appropriate for your context - feel free to adapt as suitable).

Make four labels out of card, one saying HOPE, one saying PEACE, one saying LOVE and the other saying JOY. Place one by each of the candles.

On the final piece of card write LIGHT OF THE WORLD - this is for the candle to be lit on Christmas Day at the front of the church.

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I used a modified version of this at my MOPS meeting last week. It went great! The ladies loved it and I was able to share God's message of salvation with them in a creative way. thanks so much for the great idea! ;O) - Alethea

Alethea - 10:37pm - 19 Dec 2010

Please tell me how to download the liturgy and prayers

robyn - 8:32pm - 11 Sep 2012

Robyn

If you are signed in, there is a box above right which says 'Attachments'. Under that it says 'Advent Candle walking liturgy'. Right click on it and choose 'Save link'. You can then save it on to your computer.

Sam - 12:58am - 12 Sep 2012

This idea was very well received at my church. I invited people (all ages) to stand when they had written (drawn)their themed prayers, share together in the prayer on the screen, then come and place their prayers on the appropriate table.

Ros - 9:05am - 04 Jan 2013

What a beautiful idea! Thank you!

Shelly - 9:32am - 10 Dec 2013

Thank you for this outline. I am modifying it for my Elf on the Shelf to use each Sunday of Advent on social media. (I plan to use the word, the verse, and the prayer.) My intent is to remind my friends of the real meaning of Christmas and to reach ones who don't hear that message otherwise. Thanks again.

Lois - 5:42pm - 28 Nov 2015

How do you do this in a large church? It would take a good chunk of time to have everyone participate. I'm a visual learner so maybe I just don't understand how you accomplished this with the whole congregation participating.

Deb - 7:44pm - 11 Sep 2016

i can't seem to download the advent candle walking liturgy... i am hitting the button, it says thank you for downloading but it doesn't download. am i doing something wrong?

Roseann - 10:12pm - 22 Sep 2024

Rosanne - sorry this is a problem for you. Have you check your downloads folder to see if this has arrived? It is working for me when I just tried. Perhaps try on another computer? Sam.

Sam - 9:02am - 23 Sep 2024

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Tags

Type: Prayer Station

Day/Season: Advent, Christmas

Bible Refs: Heb 10:23, 9:6, John 3:16, Luke 1:14, John 1:4-5

You Will Need

5 large candles
Holly / ivy / ribbons to decorate the candles (according to taste)
5 large pieces of card
Cards for people to write on and pens (optional)

Resources

Advent Candle Walking Liturgy PDF script

Advent Candle Walking Liturgy POWERPOINT

Thinking of using our resources online?

We're happy for you to do that - read this article for more information.

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About the Author

Chloe Axford

Chloe Axford lives in Devon with her husband Nick and two kids. She is the Communications and Engagement Director for the Diocese of Exeter and a Licensed Lay Minister (LLM) in a multi-parish mission community on Dartmoor. She previously worked for ITN and the BBC as a broadcast journalist, as well as spending two years working in creative arts ministry at a church in London. Her passion is for creative, engaging and culturally-relevant worship. She has never written a book, but lives in hope of one day having time to write one, so she can be invited to speak at conferences for free!

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