Share the Light

Welcome Today the year is coming out of darkness and the days are lengthening: we take a last look back to the joys of ; we hear the story of Anna and as they welcome Christ and Simeon revealing him as the light to the world. Then we turn to take a first look towards and the cross and . Let us rejoice in the light of Christ and that he has come into the world.

Song: Turn, Turn, Turn, Based on Ecclesiastes 3: 1‐8

Candle Lighting We are in the light, the love and the glory of the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. May all our lights together become one flame that warms the world to Christ.

Four people are now going to come forward and light the four large candles with these words The Paschal candle has been lit to remind us that Christ is the light of all the peoples of the world. Christ is our light Illumine and guide us.

The candle of hope is lit to remind us that Jesus Christ scatters the darkness in our world. Christ is our light Illumine and guide us.

The candle of love is lit to remind us that Jesus Christ is the light that shows us the way to the Father. Christ is our light Illumine and guide us.

The candle of truth is lit to remind us that Jesus Christ is the light that leads us to eternal life. Christ is our light Illumine and guide us.

The candle of wonder is lit to remind us that the Good News is Jesus Christ the light of the world is with us now.

Christ is our light Illumine and guide us

Song: We Are Marching Each of you are invited to come forward and light your candle from the large candle and place them on the cross. The basket holding the candles we brought from home is brought forward for the of the candles.

Blessed are you Lord our God for you have called us out of darkness to share in your light. The bright light of Christ scatters the darkness from within and is a lantern to our path. Bless these lights that we carry back to our homes, in the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit: that they may remind us of your presence and of your saving love revealed through Jesus Christ out to others in our homes and lives. Christ is our light Illumine and guide us

Reading: Luke 2: 22‐40

Prayers There are three prayer stations for you to go to. Lady Chapel newspaper articles that need the light of Christ to shine in situations. Font: some short biddings which you may like to say quietly and some bible verse you may wish to pray. By the organ A large flame: draw a picture of yourself or write your name and consider where god would like you to share his light in the world.

Send your light before us Lord into the days ahead, that we will not walk in darkness, but in the brightness of your love. Amen

As Jesus taught us so we pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Song: Christ be our Light.

Candles extinguished All the candles on the cross and the four outer candles are extinguished. We follow the Pascal candle and the cross are which are taken to the door.

Here we turn from our celebration of Christ’s coming into the world and towards Lent and Easter; turning form his birth to his passion and resurrection. We remember that he came among us and that he shares our joys and sorrows. May we, who have extinguished our candles let the light of the Lord shine in our hearts, lives and homes and bring his light into the world. Amen.

The doors of the church are opened and the cross and the candle are taken into the porch to symbolise our taking the light of Christ into the world.

Blessing

The Lord Jesus give light to our eyes, Give light to our mind’s, Give light to our hearts, Give light to out whole lives, That we may witness to him, Today and forever and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon us and those we love and care for and renew each of us with his love tonight and for evermore. Amen.