Lights, Symbols And Angels!: Six Worship Resources For Advent/Christmas

Lights, Symbols And Angels is a compilation of related worship resources that will enhance the Advent/Christmas worship life of any congregation, large or small.

"O Come, Blessed Light Of The World!" is ideal for raising awareness of the Advent season for families. Those using the material will learn about the Advent candles, read God's Word for the day, and have a challenge of action each week. Devotions include a reading, reflection, and prayer. "Celebrating The Advent Wreath" is a special Advent service that can be used for mid-week or women's programs. Reflections on each candle will help participants learn more about the Advent wreath. "Christmas Symbols And Songs" is a program that blends sharing the meaning of traditional Christmas symbols with the singing of a variety of carols. It's excellent for a fellowship potluck, women's tea or program, mid-week worship service, or an intergenerational event. "Angels Inspire Our Worship" is an order of worship with a skit that's ideal for a youth program. The skit, "Hark! It's Harold And The Angel Band," dramatizes an imaginary encounter between Gabe (the archangel Gabriel disguised as a stock boy), Mr. Grumpy and Mr. Grumpier (old men shopping at Heaven's Grocery Store), and an angel band led by Harold. "Angels In The Outfield" is a resource for a Sunday worship experience, mid-week service, or special Advent program. The worship is designed around the ministry of angels, using a baseball theme with appropriate hymns featuring angels. "A Christmas Celebration" is a communion/candlelight service for Christmas Eve with readings, litanies, and carols. A prolific and enthusiastic writer of worship resources, Cynthia E. Cowen has been an established writer with CSS Publishing Company since 1991. She received a B.A. degree in education from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Lay School for Mission. Cowen has served as a licensed lay minister in the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA at Calvary Lutheran Church, Quinnesec, Michigan, and is currently a rostered Associate in Ministry in Youth and Family at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, Michigan. She was elected to the Executive Board of the Church Wide Women's Organization of the Women of the ELCA in 1996, and served on its Printed Resources committee.