This song is used for the lighting of the Advent candles for four weeks and then a central candle for Christmas. The fifth candle is new to me.
Jane Wood, the editor, wrote the text and music with an ostinato refrain that can be used under the verses. In GA there are readings for each week of Advent and for Christmas.
If anyone continues the Advent candles into Christmas can they let me know whether it works?
The text is on page two of this service handout where it is used as a penitential rite.
I’ve seen some wreaths with a white candle in the middle for Christmas, but I’ve never seen candle lighting during a liturgy during the Christmas season. The wreaths are just left up with all five candles lit. My home parish actually has an outdoor Advent wreath with electric light candles and it has a Christmas candle in the middle. As a kid, I learned Mary Lu Walker’s “Light the Advent Candle” song which has a fifth verse for the “Christmas candles.” I guess you could apply that verse to any candles used at Christmas, but I’ve always thought it was referring to the white candle in the middle of the wreath.
Thanks, Ryan.
I suppose it just varies relating to local custom. I don’t remembering it featuring in my liturgy studies, but I get foggy about all that these days.
Wikipedia says it originated in family settings and moved into use in some churches, which sounds possible.
cheers
Geoff