Beautiful Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles

Scripture readings: 
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." - Isaiah 9:2

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:1-5

God’s plan for the redemption and rescue of His children didn’t begin with Jesus’ cries as a babe in Bethlehem. Christ’s birth fulfilled Old Testament prophesy of the one God would send to save us, our future hope. Messiah Jesus left heaven and chose to obey the Father’s will. He knows us, human to human. He was fully God, and fully man. Right here, on earth, God came down for us. This powerful truth is the core of what we anticipate during the Advent season and is the very foundation of our hope.

Light the first purple candle symbolizing royalty, repentance and fasting.

Use this prayer for lighting the Advent wreath's first candle:

"Dear Heavenly Father, as we enter into this Advent season, our hearts are filled with hope and anticipation. We long for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, who brings light into our world. In the midst of the darkness that can sometimes surround us, we find hope in your promises and in the fulfillment of your prophecies.

As we light the first Advent candle, may its flame remind us of the hope that Christ's birth brings. We place our trust in you, O God, knowing that you are faithful to your word. Help us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the Savior's birth, and may the hope of Christ's coming fill us with joy and peace. In this season of Advent, may we be beacons of hope to others, sharing the good news of your love and salvation. Guide us in our journey toward Christmas, and may we draw closer to you each day. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

Additional Reading: Genesis 1

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Scripture Reading: 
“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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2:4-7

Isaiah’s ancient prophesy remains relevant as we anticipate Christ’s coming. “All peace comes from the Lord, and he is the foundation of peace,” Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary explains, “This peace comes as a result of restored righteousness. And in a glorious eschatological passage, the prophet Isaiah looks ahead to the birth of that child who will be ‘Prince of Peace.’ This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is ‘our peace.’” Jesus connects all of humanity. Everyone comes to God, through Christ. By His grace, when we choose to turn to Him, initially and every time thereafter, peace ushers into the cracks and crevices of our anxious and restless souls. Peace is completeness, soundness, welfare, and contentment.

Light the second purple candle.

Use this Advent wreath prayer as you light the second candle:

Dear Lord, You are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father! Father, You gave Jesus the name above all names. In the greatest expression of love of all time, You sent Your one and only Son, Jesus, to earth incarnate. You sent Him to suffer and sacrifice, to serve, and to save. We stand in awe of Your plans, purposes, and miracles, Father God, we humbly thank You for forming us, loving us, and making a way for us to come into Your presence. As we anticipate Jesus’ coming during the Advent season, we imagine the angst in Isaiah’s heart, as he prophesied of the coming Messiah. Jesus Christ unites us. Bless us, Spirit of God, with the Peace of Christ. The peace that transcends all understanding. Peace, though we walk through a difficult time of isolation and loss this year, will guide our hearts home to Your caring and compassionate embrace. We long for Your coming, Jesus! Fill our hearts with You … with peace.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen.

Additional Reading: Philippians 4:7

Scripture Reading:
"On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39 ESV

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." - Isaiah 12:2-3

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them." Luke 2:20

Christ is Living Water. Our lives flow through Him, and His sustaining Spirit through us. Living, in the original Greek, means to live, breathe, to enjoy real life. Life within the love and joy of Christ is new life. The theme for the third week of Advent is typically "Joy." This week is often referred to as Gaudete Sunday, and it represents a shift from the more solemn and reflective tone of the previous weeks to a focus on rejoicing in the imminent arrival of Christ. 

Light the pink candle. The liturgical color for this week is usually rose or pink, symbolizing the joy of the season.

Say this prayer while lighting the Advent wreath's third candle, the pink candle of Joy:

"Gracious God, as we enter the third week of Advent, our hearts are filled with joy at the nearness of your Son, Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the promise of salvation that His birth brings to the world. Help us to cast aside any lingering doubts or anxieties and to embrace the joy that comes from knowing that our Savior is coming.

Lord, in a world often filled with sadness and turmoil, we find our true source of joy in you. May the joy of your presence fill our hearts and radiate from our lives, bringing hope and happiness to those we encounter. As we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, may it remind us that your joy is a light that no darkness can overcome.

We thank you for the gift of your Son and the joy He brings into our lives. Help us to prepare our hearts to receive Him with open arms and with great rejoicing. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and source of everlasting joy. Amen."

Additional Reading: Zechariah 14:8

Scripture Reading:
"And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." - 1 John 4:9-11

The theme of the fourth week of Advent is traditionally "Love." This week represents the culmination of the Advent season, focusing on the love of God as expressed through the birth of Jesus Christ.

Light the fourth candle which is also purple.

Here's a prayer for lighting the candle of love during the fourth week of Advent:

"Gracious and loving God, as we gather in the glow of this Advent wreath, we are reminded of the incredible love that led you to send your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world for our salvation. This fourth candle symbolizes the boundless love that surrounds and fills us during this holy season.

As we approach the celebration of Christ's birth, may the love He brought into the world inspire us to love one another more deeply and unconditionally. Help us to reflect your love in all that we do and to share it with those in need. Let your love shine brightly in our hearts, illuminating the path of faith and guiding us in your ways.

In the midst of the busyness of the season, help us to remember that your love is the greatest gift of all. We thank you for your love, which knows no bounds, and we eagerly anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth, the ultimate expression of your love for us. In His name, we pray. Amen."

Additional Reading: John 1:14

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Scripture Reading:
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” Luke 2:8-14 ESV

Jesus is a Savior for all people. Luke was a Gentile, and as he penned these divine words, he undoubtedly felt an emotional connection to God’s inclusion of all people. The scene of the shepherds is an important representation of the everyday people Christ came to save! Luke also wrote that Jesus came to seek and save the lost! (Luke 19:10) Advent captures our longing for the peace and unity only Christ can provide.

Light the white candle which symbolizes light and purity.

As you light the last candle on the Advent Wreath, pray:

"Father, We long for unity and peace on earth, for justice and righteousness. Guide us and teach us to follow Christ and sanctify our hearts until the day we arrive home in heaven. Help us to see our neighbors, and all people, as the brothers and sisters they are! All children of the One True God. Father teach us to love one another. Help us to build bridges and reach across party lines. Let the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ reign down over our circumstances. Love is paramount to the Kingdom of God. Let us love as we are loved, and experience the peace of Christ. Father, rain down miracles on this earth this Christmas. Jesus, we celebrate Your coming, Your presence, and Your future return! Bless our lives with Your love. May it flow through us like wildfire and may we sing Your praises as the angels who broke through the night sky to proclaim Your glory!

In Jesus’ name, we pray,

Amen,"

Advent is a time to celebrate the anticipation of Christ’s coming, but we don’t wonder if He will come. He came, and He remains with every Christ-follower through the Holy Spirit, and He will come again. God is in control, even when the world seems to be turned upside down. We can look forward in anticipation, during Advent and every day beyond, to our great God fulfilling every promise.