A Candle Lighting Litany

Leader:	We light this candle to remind ourselves that the true light has come into the world. That true light is Jesus Christ and it shines for every person.
Reader 1:	Does the light of Christ shine also for the people of Iraq? Darkness and death surround them. Economic sanctions kill 5000 to 6000 children a month. Can Jesus' light penetrate this deep darkness? Does the true light shine also in Iraq?
Leader:	Yes, this light shines for the people of Iraq.
Reader 2:	Does the light shine also for us? Does it connect us to the pain and suffering of the Iraqi people? Does it remind us of our common humanity?
Leader:	Yes, this candle can also be a Candle of Anguish, reminding us of the needs of the people of Iraq.
Reader 1:	The power of one candle can illuminate the darkness of the deepest cavern. The light from this candle reminds us that economic sanctions kill people that Jesus loves and died to redeem.
Reader 2:	Lighting this candle reminds us to work and pray so that Christ's light may shine brighter upon the people of Iraq.
All:	Let the light shine in our congregation to remind us to intercede for the people of Iraq.
Leader:	Amen!

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A reading for additional Sundays
The Worship Leader may read the following words as someone lights the candle.

This Sunday is the (second, third, fourth etc.) Sunday we have lit the Candle of Anguish to remind us of the deaths caused by economic sanctions in Iraq. Let us renew our commitment to work and pray for the end of the genocide in Iraq.