Christmas Liturgy

"In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.  

And the light shines in the darkness..."

John 1: 4-5a

Each year, during Advent, we go through a Christmas Liturgy.  

The kids really look forward to it, 

and it helps draw our attention to the momentous meaning of Christmas.

This liturgy uses candles, sand, vinegar, chocolate, "bones", and wine.

We sing, pray, and read portions of scripture and meditations, 

with each family member having parts.

We do it nightly from December 16th through December 25th, with more candles being lit each night causing the light to brighten as we near Christmas Day.  The bones, sand, and vinegar represent the exile in the desert. They are removed on Christmas Day.  The tiny chocolates point to the coming glory of the Incarnation, and are replaced by large, expensive chocolates on Christmas Day.  The empty wine glasses are finally filled on Christmas Day as well, which all point to the world turning from a desert drought to the abundance of Christ.

"The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,

who came from the Father,

full of grace and truth."

John 1:14