Fr Pat Raleigh, celebrating the anniversary of his ordination to priesthood, led the liturgy in Dalgan for the Lighting of the Advent Candle on the 4th Sunday of Advent.
“We gather as a community to light our fourth candle as a sign of walking in the light of Christ. Living through the Covid-19 pandemic, with further fears of a new variant, we are preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus who is the Light of the world. I light this candle to walk in the light of Christ which is our theme for the day. As I light it, we remember all who are, and have been, affected by Covid and we pray that we will be spared from the new variant.”
“We pray as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of Christmas in the coming days. May we be blessed with strong faith, firm hope, and an abundance of love. We pray that as Christmas comes to us in the dark of winter, may the light of the one who is to come – Emmanuel – God with us – drive away our fears, our depression and our loneliness. We pray that from streetlights to Christmas lights, the dark shadows of the pandemic may be overcome and people who have walked in darkness may see the bright light of hope shine brightly as we continue to prepare for the birth of Jesus.”
“We pray that the lights associated with the season of Advent which brighten up our surroundings will make each one of us less afraid of the dark and the unknown as we struggle through the pandemic. We pray that the Advent season, in preparing the way of the Lord will also help us to welcome those living on the margins of our world today: migrants, refugees, the homeless, and all displaced people throughout our world.”
“We pray that the light of Christ will shine in our hearts and help us to dispel the darkness of death that many of us have experienced in recent times, especially family and close friends who have died as a result of Covid-19. We pray that the God of Light will shine in our hearts and renew our hope during this very uncertain time, that the God of light will renew our faith.”
“God of light, kindle our lamps and shine in our hearts. Inspire us to become a people of light and help us to spread your light of hope. Help us to recognise the opportunities we have to brighten the lives of others. May your perpetual light dispel our own personal darkness and the world’s darkness. May we continue to be sparks of your light and beacons of hope filled with joy and peace. Amen.”