Be Not Afraid Advent Candles (redux)

THis Year I am slightly reworking, but mainly reusing, this liturgy from 2008.  Here is the Redux version:

Advent 1 – November 27, 2011 – Be Not Afraid a new world is coming

(one person reading paper, tosses it down in disgust)

Reader 1: What's the matter?

Reader 2: Oh I just find the news so depressing these days. It seems that there is nothing but bad news out there.

Reader 1: I know what you mean. Between the Occupy protests, and the crackdown in Syria and people relying on food banks it sounds really bad doesn't it.

Reader 2: You said it. Sometimes I wonder if it is really worth trying to improve things any more.

Reader 1: Oh it is always worth trying to make the world better. And things will get better. I am sure of it.

Reader 2: How can you be so sure?

Reader 1: I guess I just have faith. Remember that the Bible keeps telling us that there is a new time coming, a new world? Well I just believe that is true and that the new world will be better.

Reader 2: You really think so? I am not sure. I wish I could be as sure as you are but I am afraid for us right now.

Reader 1: Don't be afraid. God is with us even when the world seems to be falling apart. And all will be well some day.

Reader 2: I hope so. As we light a candle as a sign for our hope in that new world let's sing #90 in More Voices “Don't Be Afraid”. In fact, let's sing it twice.

(they light 1 candle and then return to their seats while the song is sung)

Advent 2 – December 4, 2011 – Be Not Afraid Prophetic Peace be with you

Reader 1: May the peace of Christ be with you.

Reader 2: And also with you. But what do you mean?

Reader 1: Pardon? I don't know what I mean. I was just following the minister's instructions to pass the peace.

Reader 2: But what does “the peace of Christ” mean?

Reader 1: Well, uh, uh, I guess it means everybody getting along and being nice to each other and...well(trails off) Why are you asking?

Reader 2: Well I was reading about the prophets the other day, and they don't always sound peaceful. Sometimes they sound really angry. Sometimes they talk about people getting punished. John the Baptist talks about axes and fires attacking people...

Reader 1: Really, well is that all?

Reader 2: No, they talk about these things happening to bring peace to the world, to make the world a better place.

Reader 1: Maybe that is what we mean by the peace of Christ. That time after the struggle and change.

Reader 2: Maybe. Anyway, it's time to get on with the rest of the service. Why don't we light some candles for peace while we sing #90 in More Voices “Don't Be Afraid” a couple of times.

(they light 2 candles and then sit down while the song is sung)

Advent 3 – December 11, 2011 – Be Not Afraid Justice shall be done

Reader 1: You know, sometimes I think that life really isn't fair.

Reader 2: Why do you say that?

Reader 1: Well the news keeps telling us that the rich get richer while the poor fall farther behind. It sometimes seems that nobody really works for the people who have the least. It just isn't fair.

Reader 2: Well you know, nobody ever promise life should be fair. But you are right. It just doesn't seem right that so many people have so little to live on.

Reader 1: No it doesn't. Where is the justice in all of it? Aren't things like food and shelter basic to life? Why don't we find a way for everyone to get them? When the revolution comes...

Reader 2: (interrupting) Ok ok, down off the soapbox. Take a breath. I agree with you. Well maybe not the revolution part, but I do agree with you. And you know what?

Reader 1: What?

Reader 2: God agrees with you too. God wants us to live in a time of justice when everybody has what they need to live.

Reader 1: Really?

Reader 2: Yep. The Bible talks about it all the time. It is a big part of what people of faith pray and work for. And I really believe it will happen some day.

Reader 1: I hope it happens soon. I am afraid of what might happen if things don't change.

Reader 2: Oh try not to be afraid. Fear gets in the way a lot. While we light candles to remind us of God's light and justice why don't we sing #90 in More Voices “Don't Be Afraid”. We'll sing it twice.

(they light 3 candles and then sit down while the song is sung)

Advent 4 – December 18, 2011 – Be Not Afraid sing for joy

Reader 1: (sings 1^st verse of Joy to the World)

Reader 2: How can you sound so happy?

Reader 1: What do you mean?

Reader 2: Well with everything that is happening around us. With all the bustle of trying to get ready for Christmas. How can you be so happy and relaxed?

Reader 1: It's Christmas! How can anyone be anything but happy? All I need to do is look at the excitement of the kids and the bright lights and listen to the cheery music. Then it is easy to be happy.

Reader 2: But aren't you worried?

Reader 1: Sometimes I am. None of knows for sure what next year will bring.

Reader 2: But you're happy anyway?

Reader 1: Yep. I made a choice to not let the worry take over. God is coming to live among us as a baby. That's more than enough reason to sing!

Reader 2: You made a choice?

Reader 1: That's right. I chose joy and hope over fear and worry. It's Christmas! Don't be afraid, sing instead. In fact let's light candles while we sing #90 in More Voices “Don't Be Afraid”. We will sing it twice.

(they light all 4 of the candles in the wreath and then sit down while the song is sung)

Christmas Eve – December 24, 2011 – Be Not Afraid the Baby means Change

Reader 1: Christmas Eve is here at last. Soon we will hear about angels and shepherds.

Reader 2: And the angels will remind all of us not to be afraid.

Reader 1: The candles on our wreath remind us not to be afraid to. One reminds us to not be afraid of the bad news around us because a better world is coming (lights a candle)

Reader 2: And this one reminds us to not be afraid of the tough choices and changes that need to come before we have peace in the world. (lights second candle)

Reader 1: This pink candle reminds us that even when the world is going crazy we can choose to be less afraid, we can choose to sing for joy (lights candle)

Reader 2: And this last candle reminds us that when we work past the fear we can see God's hope for justice in the world. (lights last candle)

Reader 1: Now there is only one candle left. The one in the middle.

Reader 2: That's right. What does it remind us of?

Reader 1: Well Christmas is about a baby right? And a baby means change right? Well some people think that change is very scary.

Reader 2: So let's light this candle to remind us of the Baby, and of the changes that might happen, and to not be afraid of those changes (lights centre candle)

For November 20, 2011 -- Reign of Christ Sunday

COMMISSIONING:
We have gathered together. We have prayed. We have sung. We have listened
And now it is time for us to return to the mission field.
Go out into the world to feed those who hunger in body and spirit, to provide company to those who are alone, to comfort those who are afflicted.
As we go, may we see the face of Christ in all we meet.
And may they see the face of Christ in you.
Amen

For November 13, 2011 Proper 28A

CALL TO WORSHIP/OPENING PRAYER
From our homes and workplaces, from our school and playspaces,
we have been called. Called to gather for worship and refreshment.
God of Grace, in this time of music and prayer and reflection,
open our hearts, minds and souls to feel your Spirit blowing through our lives.
As we sing and pray and listen,
may we hear you calling us to a new way of living.
And when our time together concludes,
send us back out ready to take the risks that come with using all the gifts we have been given to their full potential. Amen.


COMMISSIONING:
Challenging God, we go out now to make a difference in the world
We will take risks with what we have been given
We will explore what talents we have to share
We will us what we have to the best of our ability
We will be accountable for our choices.
We WILL make a difference in the world
Go with God, who will help you to do all these things.
Amen