Candle Lighting and Mission Sending

The candles held by the faithful are lighted while the narration is read.

Readers:

In the beginning, the universe was dark and cold – and the Spirit hovered and brooded and whispered: “Let there be life... Let there be light!”

The Word was spoken and light and life came into being! God handed the light to human beings and they handed the light on to their children and their children handed the light on to their children.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in shadows – on them God’s light has shone.

In the dark of a stable in the town of Bethlehem a new light was given to the world: the one who was there in the beginning came into the world; in him was life – and the life was the light of peoples.

The Word became flesh and lived among us.

In the darkest hours just before sunrise darkness gave way to a new dawn an eternal dawn: eternal light shone upon the world.

The light became divided and humans tried to possess it: to claim it as their own.

Yet the light was not defeated.

The light passed on to those who loved God’s Word – who translated it – and placed it into the hands of believers.

The light passed on to those who sought to understand God’s creation –and explored its wonders.

The light passed to those who saw the dignity of human beings and fought to bring justice to the poor – freedom to those who were slaves.

The light waits – Who will keep the light burning in our day?

Who will take the light into the world?

Who will carry the light – if we do not?

Who will carry the light – if you do not?

Holy Father: My dear brothers and sisters, we received this light in baptism and were entrusted to keep this light burning brightly. We vowed to spread this light when we were confirmed. I ask you now: Keep the flame of faith alive in your hearts. Walk always as children of the light. This is the mission of every Christian: lumina pandit, to spread the light and to tell the world of God’s love.

The people raise their lighted candles as the choir leads them in singing “Tell the World of His Love.”

Tell the World of His Love

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior

His most precious one

He has sent us His message of love

And sends those who hear
to bring the message to everyone

In a voice loud and clear.

Let us tell the world of His love

The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world

Tell the world of His love.

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior His Most Precious One

He has sent us His message of love
and sends those who hear

To bring the message to everyone

In a voice loud and clear.

Let us tell the world of His love

The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world

Tell the world of His love.

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior

His most precious one

He has sent us His message of love

And sends those who hear
to bring the message to everyone

In a voice loud and clear.

Let us tell the world of His love

The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world

Tell the world of His love.

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior His Most Precious One

He has sent us His message of love
and sends those who hear

To bring the message to everyone

In a voice loud and clear.

Let us tell the world of His love

The greatest love the world has known

Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home

Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world

Tell the world of His love.

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior

His most precious one

He has sent us His message of love

And sends those who hear
to bring the message to everyone

In a voice loud and clear.

Let us tell the world of His love

The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world

Tell the world of His love.

For God so loved the world

He gave us his only Son
Jesus Christ our Savior His Most Precious One

He has sent us His message of love
and sends those who hear

To bring the message to everyone

In a voice loud and clear

Let us tell the world of His love

(tell the world of his love)

The greatest love the world has known
Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home
Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world

Tell the world of His love.

Let us tell the world of His love

The greatest love the world has known

Search the world for those who have walked

Astray and lead them home

Fill the world's darkest corners

With His light from up above

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world; tell the world of His love

…The greatest love the world has known

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world, Tell the world,

…The greatest love the world has known

Walk every step, every mile, every road

And tell the world, tell the world,

Tell the world of… His love!

Tell the world of… His love!