One Candle

One of the many ways in which High Street Methodist welcomed us into their community was asking our family to perform the liturgy, reading, and lighting of the advent candle on Christmas Day. Laura led the responsive reading, I read from Isaiah (you say eye-say-uh, they say eyes-eye-uh), Jonathan completed the liturgy, and Christopher lit the candle (manfully sucking it up when he burned his palm :-)

Isaiah (however pronounced) is fun to read aloud, because it was "written" to be delivered viva voce with appropriate oratorial flair. Give it a try!

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
 on them
    light
has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,
you have  increased its joy;

they rejoice before you
  as with joy at the harvest,                  
  as people exult when dividing plunder.
             
For the yoke of their burden,
        and
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,

you have
          broken
as on the day of Midian.

For all
       the boots of the tramping warriors
and all
       the garments rolled in blood
shall
   be
   burned
as fuel for the fire.

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.

His authority shall  grow   continually,
and there shall be endless peace
    for the throne of David
    and his kingdom.

  He will establish
      and uphold it
     with justice
 and with righteousness
from this time
          onward
      and forevermore.

The zeal
  of the Lord of hosts
  will do this.

Is.9:2-7 NRSV