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The Season of Advent • Year B
Seasonal Resource Page for 2026
Advent is a time of waiting and expectant watching for the coming of the Messiah. We wait for the Christ child in the manger in Bethlehem, but also for the return of Christ in all of his glory on that last day. The tone of our worship should reflect the theological tension between wistful waiting and joyful anticipation. In the Church we are called to put aside the trappings of the world in this season before Christmas, and wait patiently for the King of kings.
RCL Year C - Advent Worship Planning Guide
This resource by Pastor Mark Anderson was produced by our friends at Luther House of Study and is made available for congregations using the Augsburg Version of the RCL.
Other Advent Seasonal Downloads
Seasonal Worship Infograph
A quick, easy reference for worship through the seasons.
Midweek Advent Worship Series: "A New Thing"
This four week series of lerssons and prayers, put together by the Rev. William E. Maki, touches on the theme of God making all things new by examining our "Need," God's "Promise," the "Fulfillment" of the promise, and Jesus as the source of our "Hope." (It may be used as the basis for Advent worship, or as a resource for home devotions.)
Advent Daily Readings
This is a weekly set of Scripture readings for Advent, based on the themes of Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love. It is formatted to be printed as a tri-fold brochure.
Midweek Advent Service - Bulletin Template
A simple service of the word for use in the season of Advent (editable docx file).
Service of the Longest Night
This service offers comfort to those who have lost loved ones, and for whom the holiday season is a time of grief and mourning.
Booklet of Christmas Carols
Use this booklet for caroling or for an informal worship service.
On the Use of Advent Candles
The use of an Advent Wreath and candles as part of worship is a relatively recent custom in the church, probably no more than about 300 years old. Originating among Lutherans in northern Europe from earlier cultural traditions, it has been adopted by many Christian denominations over the last few centuries.
Designating the names for the various candles is a very recent phenomenon (probably mid-20th century), and multiple traditions have developed. These often vary by denomination, region, religious publisher, and even in the literature of various candle supply companies!
Strictly speaking, there is no single set of traditional names for the candles; there are, in fact, many different traditions. Some of these names were related to old lectionary texts that are no longer in use. The most commonly used names among Protestants for the candles are the designations: 1) Prophets’ Candle, 2) Bethlehem Candle, 3) Shepherds’ Candle, 4) Angels' Candle. In a similar way, Roman Catholics have often designated these same candles to refer to advent saints: 1) Patriarchs, 2) Prophets, 3) John the Baptist, 4) Virgin Mary.
An even more recent tradition among various churches is to name the candles by Advent “theme” words, the most common four being Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace (or in the order: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love). Some churches replace one or more of these words with Preparation or Expectation.
Since there is no single tradition regarding the names of the candles, in its materials, Sola has used the most common designation of: 1) Prophets’ Candle, 2) Bethlehem Candle, 3) Shepherds’ Candle, 4) Angels' Candle. We have also included the four most common theme words in the order that best fits these primary designations:
1) Prophets = Hope for the coming of Christ
2) Bethlehem = Love for those in need who have "no room"
3) Shepherds = Joy for spreading the message of Christ
4) Angels = Peace on earth, as the message of the angels
Keep in mind: The use of candles in Advent is a human tradition, neither mandated nor prohibited in Scripture. There is no right or wrong in the use of these names. Local congregations are free to use what they choose. "And to the true unity of the Church it is enough to agree concerning the doctrine of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Nor is it necessary that human traditions, that is, rites or ceremonies, instituted by men, should be everywhere alike." (Augsburg Confession 7)
Hymn Paraphrases for Worship in Advent
Advent Liturgy set to Hymn Tunes
Use these alternate versions of the Kyrie, Hymn of Praise, Sanctus and Nunc Dimitus for Advent - all set to familiar hymn tunes. Written by Cathy Ammlung.
More Seasonal Hymns from Sola
Click on the links below to access the hymns online
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Heaven Comes Near for All Today
Based on Matthew 3:1-12 (Advent 2A)
Set to the tune of "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" (Duke Street)
Kept in Quiet Wonder
Based on Mark 13:24-37 (Advent 1B)
Set to the tune of "Now Thank We All Our God" (Nun Danket)
Mary Was Betrothed
Based on Matthew 1:18-25 (Advent 4A)
Set to the tune of "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine" (Canterbury)
My Soul Magnifies My God
Based on Luke 1:46-55 (Magnificat)
Set to the tune of "Cantad al Señor"
The Advent of Our God
Based on Psalm 9:14
We Sing of Christ Our King
Based on Matthew 11:2-11 (Advent 3A)
Set to the tune of "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" (Dennis)
When Mary Was Still Pregnant
Based on Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
Set to the tune of "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" (Webb)
Will You Heed the Signs of Advent?
Based on Matthew 24:36-44 (Advent 1A)
Set to the tune of "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" (Rathbun)