Description
Prepare the way for Christ with “Come, Lord Jesus: An Advent Candle Liturgy,” written by Shardaé Henry and Shea Watts, Ph.D.
Grounded in the beloved Advent hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (Glory to God #82), this liturgy gives congregations a weekly rhythm for naming what we are waiting for — and trusting in the God who is already drawing near. Beginning with the recurring question, “Children of God, what are we waiting for?” each week explores our longing for hope, peace, joy and love as we anticipate the coming of Christ.
Designed for use with an Advent wreath, the resource includes responsive readings, prayers, Scripture and candle-lighting instructions for each of the four Sundays of Advent and Christmas Eve. Its poetic, participatory language invites the congregation into the experience of waiting together, while each additional flame becomes a visible reminder that darkness does not have the final word.
Why choose “Come, Lord Jesus”?
- Embraces Advent as a season of waiting: Rather than rushing toward Christmas, this liturgy gives congregations language for longing — for dawn in the darkness, peace amid conflict, joy in wilderness places and love that heals what hatred has torn.
- Follows the traditional Advent themes: Each week adds another candle — Hope, Peace, Joy and Love — allowing the congregation to watch the light grow throughout the season before lighting the Christ candle on Christmas Eve.
- Rooted in Scripture and song: Verses from “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” frame each week’s liturgy, alongside Scripture from Isaiah, Luke, Philippians and 1 John. The familiar hymn provides a consistent refrain as the congregation moves toward Christmas.
- Designed for congregational participation: Responsive readings and repeated language make this resource especially well suited for involving different voices in worship, including children, youth, families, elders and other members of the congregation.
- Connects Advent waiting with Christian witness: These readings do more than name hope, peace, joy and love. They ask what it means to embody them. The congregation is invited to become peacemakers, carry joy “like a lantern” and embody God’s love in word and deed.
On Christmas Eve, the weeks of waiting culminate in the lighting of the Christ candle. Hope, peace, joy and love come together in the Christ child — Emmanuel, God with us — as the congregation joins the heavenly host in proclaiming glory to God and peace on earth.
Use “Come, Lord Jesus” throughout Advent to create a cohesive worship experience that helps your congregation wait, wonder and watch for the light of Christ together.
About the authors
Shardaé Henry is an elder at The Grove Presbyterian Church of Charlotte and a Master of Divinity student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. She also holds an M.Ed. and a B.S. A writer, preacher and lifelong learner, she is passionate about practical theology, prophetic witness and equipping the church to embody Christ’s radical love.
Shea Watts, Ph.D., is the author of Where the Spirit Is and chaplain at Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte. He has worked for more than 15 years in various denominations and is widely published in academia. His forthcoming book explores the connection between Christian nationalism and contemporary Christian music.
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