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Unlit Candles
The Methodist Church in Great Britain, the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem and the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries have called for Methodists to leave the second Advent candle -- the candle of peace -- unlit this season as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians killed by Israeli bombings in war against the terrorist organization Hamas. (Photo Courtesy of Global Ministries)
From the Methodist Liaison Office
Our Christian colleagues in Bethlehem tell us that this Advent and Christmas in Bethlehem the lights that normally adorn the birthplace of Jesus will remain unlit in memory of those who have been killed in the current conflict. The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem have noted that the traditional festive services in the Holy Land will be somber in nature due to the ongoing war.
The second candle on the Advent Ring represents peace and, in some traditions, is known as the ‘Bethlehem candle.’ This Advent, we invite Methodist churches to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ and not to light the Advent Candle on the second Sunday in Advent (10 December) and on subsequent Sundays.
The Old Testament lectionary reading for 10 December starts with the words, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). As such, it seems appropriate that we take this opportunity to think about Bethlehem and those who have been killed and those who are seeking comfort as they mourn. This unlit candle will serve as a constant reminder that we stand in solidarity with all who are suffering in the Holy Land.
The usual Advent liturgies can still be read, but we suggest including a short addition, given below, to underline why this ‘peace’ candle will remain unlit.
On Christmas Day we invite you to take a photo of your Advent Ring with the second candle unlit and send to office@mlojerusalem.org. The staff at the Methodist Liaison Office will forward your pictures to local church communities in the Holy Land so our sisters and brothers in Christ can see that we stand in solidarity with them over the festive season.
For further information, contact Revd David Hardman, Methodist Liaison Officer, Jerusalem on hardmand@methodistchurch.org.uk
Additional Advent Liturgy for the Second Sunday in Advent
As we prepare ourselves to welcome the birth of the Prince of Peace, we hear the festive lights that normally shine bright in Bethlehem will not be lit this year in memory of those killed in the recent violence. To stand alongside our sisters and brothers in Christ, and all who mourn this Christmas, we will leave our second Advent candle unlit during Advent and Christmas.
Possible additional Advent Liturgy for remaining Advent services
We remind ourselves that this year one candle remains unlit, as the Christmas lights in Bethlehem remain unlit, in memory of those killed in the current conflict in the Holy Land.
The Methodist Liaison Office is a partnership of the World Methodist Council, the Methodist Church of Britain, and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Its purpose is to increase awareness and involvement of the worldwide Methodist community in the issues of Palestine and Israel.