I have always felt the Twelve Powers Candlelight service found in the Wings of Spirit hymnal is a good idea, but making it about Jesus and the disciples doesn't work for a Christmas Eve service. That discipled-based ceremony might work well at Pentecost, which celebrates the birth of the Church. What we need is a version which actually speaks to the Christman holiday. So, here's my adaptation of the basic 12-P format, keyed to the figures of the Nativity scene.
DrTom
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Narrator: According to the Gospel of Luke, when
confronted by the Divine commission to give birth to and nurture the
Christ-child, this ordinary young woman responded with extraordinary words of trusting
faith:
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.[2]
3. Joseph – Understanding (gold candle)
Acolyte: This candle represents Zeal, which we light for Prophets
and Herald Angels.
Narrator: The Prophet Isaiah had written: “For a child
has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace…The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”[4] Luke reports that
angelic voices rang out that dark night, announcing the holy birth. “And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising
God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among
those whom he favors!’”[5] Jesus would tell the
people that God favors everyone. Isaiah the Prophet and the Herald Angels conspired
to give us a vision of heaven and earth united by the power of Zeal.
7. The Manger –
Order (dark green)
Acolyte: This dark green candle represents Divine Order, which we light in memory
of the Manger.
Narrator: Jesus has been called “King of Kings” and
“Lord of Lords.” Yet, when it was time for him to be born, his desperate
parents converted an animal food trough into a makeshift cradle. As Luke
writes, she “wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because
there was no place for them in the inn.”[6]
This simple action shows God working through all circumstances. Looking at the
manger in the Christmas crèche offers a visual symbol of the balance and
harmony flowing through the Universe. Even when circumstances appear desperate,
we can access that flow of good through exercising our trust in Divine Order.
8. Wise Men - Wisdom (yellow candle)
Narrator: Many people saw the star, but the Gospel of
Matthew says only the Wise Men from the East chose to act on their vision. The
power of Wisdom is the guiding light that gives us the right decision when we
trust the Christ within. With this candle we remember the good judgment shown
by wise men and wise women throughout the ages who have found the way to their
inner Christ.
9. The Star of
Bethlehem – Imagination (light blue candle)
Acolyte: This light blue candle represents Imagination, which we light in memory
of the Star which led the Magi to
Bethlehem.
10. Gold – Strength (light
green candle)
Narrator: The first gift the Magi gave the baby Jesus
was gold, which represents the kingly nature of Jesus, his prosperity consciousness
and his ability to perform all necessary tasks. It is appropriate that the
color of monetary currency today is often light green, like this candle. Whatever
is true about Jesus is true about everyone. Spiritual Strength is the true gold
of existence, the energy of God flowing through us. Gold also symbolizes the
gifts of God, which strengthen us during times of difficulty and give us the
ability to share our time, talent and treasure with others.
11. Frankincense
– Will (silver gray candle)
Narrator: Because frankincense
was an incense of the temple, it represents the divine nature of Jesus, which
is the Christ that dwells within everyone. The power of Will has been called
“the executive faculty of the mind.”[7] To
allow more and more of the Christ to express through us takes an act of Will,
the willingness to name and claim our divine heritage. “The Will is the center
in mind and body around which revolve all the activities that constitute
consciousness. It is the avenue through which the I AM expresses its potentiality.”[8]
12. Myrrh - Renunciation or Elimination (russet candle)
Narrator: This candle points to the human nature of
Jesus. In biblical times, myrrh was a perfume used to prepare bodies for burial.
It represents the power to let go and let
God, to recognize we are in good hands when we trust God. Jesus, who was
born in a manger, would die on a cross. Yet his teachings have changed billions
of lives for the better. If he was able to let go and let God, so can we. As we
celebrate the birth of the Christ child this night, we release any thoughts of
lack or limitation and turn our lives over to God’s guidance, knowing in every circumstance
God is within us, we are in God, and all is well.
Passing the Light / “Silent Night”
Ushers light candles from the Christ Candle, then spread the light to the congregation. Should be done in low light for maxiumum effect. Congregation sings "Silent Night" during the candlelighting.
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Suggested directions: Each Acolyte comes forward and says: “This
candle represents _____, which we light for _________.” (Or something
equivalent.)
Music underscoring the ceremony should be
soft, dignified and evocative of the holiday.
Completing the Ritual: Passing
the Light / Silent Night:
After the twelve candles are lit, the ceremony concludes with “passing the
light” until all hand-held candles in the congregation are lighted. The
congregation sings “Silent Night” during the community candle lighting.[9]
