Advent to Candlemas (Vol. 5)

Advent Candles

When the first candle is lit,
May we think first of how much we have lost
Of the intensity built up in Lenten weeks
During the green expanse since Pentecost.

When the second candle is lit,
Let us remember our second chance, and more,
The promise to Abraham, confirmed in Isaiah,
Of what the Messiah would restore.

When the rose candle is lit,
Let us be plunged again into Jordan's stream:
Rejoicing in the new person we have become,
Grateful that Israel waited for the dream.

When the fourth candle is lit,
Let us pray to Mary the Mother of Christ,
The bridge between the perfect and the human.
Let us sing her Magnificat with zest.

When the white candle is lit,
May we put away all earthly things,
Presents under the tree or strewn across the floor;
And give a few, dedicated moments to a manger,
And he whom we came here to adore.