Responsive Readings for Christmas Candlelight Services

Our Christmas Candlelight Service is always one of my favorite times of worship each year. It's quite a contrast with the Christmas Nativity Pageant where we try to corral the energy and attention of 40+ kiddos. With festive carols, special music, a Christmas meditation and, of course, the candle-lighting, this service always tends to be both joyful and contemplative. I like these candles from Will & Baumer.

The liturgy during the candle-lighting should be thoughtfully prepared. It needs to be somewhat concise so the candles do not burn too low. (A simple instruction to tip only the unlit candles for lighting will prevent a mess of candle wax.)

A quiet carol or two sung a capella by the congregation is nice while the candle light is spreading through the sanctuary. Silent Night, Away in a Manger, O Little Town of Bethlehem, or Now Shine A Thousand Candles Bright are excellent choices.

I always like to have a responsive reading during the candle-lighting. Here are two that I've have used: a poem written by my late father and a scripture reading. Feel free to snag them if they can be of use in your services. 

The Holy Light by Ray Satterfield

Into a world of darkness, Into a world of night

God sends the gospel message, Filling our hearts with light.

The prophets have been silent, Four hundred long, long years,  

When first a candle flickers, And a small flame appears.

This candle is John the Baptist; He's sent to point the way 

To a great light more brilliant, The light that will bring DAY.

The light of angel glory Is next to come to earth;

The angels sang the story Of a most wondrous birth.

Then high up in the heavens, A star shines forth so bright,    

The Wise Men in a far-off land Rejoice to see its light.

The star leads them to Bethlehem, And there it is they find,

The Christ-Child, The Messiah, The Savior of mankind.

"I've come to banish darkness," I hear Him gently say,

"Just open up your heart to Me; I'll enter if I may."

And now the faithful Christians Reflect that holy light,

Together they shine brightly, To drive away the night.

And yet MORE LIGHT awaits us, A wondrous, dazzling white:

Soon all of heaven's glories Will burst upon our sight!

Christ the Light

The LORD is my light and my salvation.

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. 

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” 

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

When I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.