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Magnificat focus: “God’s promise embodied in Christ”
Contributor: Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis ’13
Leader: On this holy night,
we gather in awe and wonder.
The waiting gives way to glory.
The promise takes on flesh.
The Word becomes Light among us.
We have lit candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love,
each flame a testimony to God’s unfolding story.
Tonight, we light the Christ Candle,
rejoicing that the long-awaited One has come to dwell with us.
Like Mary, we magnify the Lord with joy that overcomes fear.
Leader: Hear the prophet’s song:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
People: Hear the Gospel’s wonder:
“Do not be afraid; for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)
Leader: Hear the apostle’s witness:
“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.” (Titus 2:11)
People: And with Mary we sing:
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46–47)
All sing or say:
O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
who orderest all things mightily:
to us the path of knowledge show;
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Leader: We light the Christ Candle,
remembering that God’s promise is now revealed in the face of Jesus.
People: The Light has come,
and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Leader: Emmanuel, God with us, shines in the world.
People: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among all.
(The Christ Candle is lit, and all other candles are relit.)
Leader: God of glory and promise fulfilled,
on this holy night we marvel at your coming
A child born in a manger,
the Logos-Wisdom-Word made flesh,
the Light that no darkness can extinguish.
Shine in our hearts and through our lives,
so that Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love may take on flesh in us too.
Teach us to magnify you with joy that overcomes fear.
Through Christ, the Light of the World. Amen.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, our Light and our Salvation.
Let us magnify the Lord with life in Christ that overcomes fear.
Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis ’13 is an alum of Columbia Theological Seminary and currently serves as Campus Minister at CTS.
Listen to what Advent means to Shavon at tinyurl.com/CTSAdventMeans
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