Four children sit at the front of the congregation with lighted candles. The minister is at a table just in front of the children, and the speaker is at the pulpit. As each child speaks, he or she brings his or her candle to the minister, who places it on the table.

Minister
We are grateful for the light of day for it enables us to see so we can work and learn and serve. But we also need spiritual light that can guide us in the ways of righteous love so we lead worthy lives of responsibility, integrity and industry. Where can we find the enlightment that will guide us to that inspiration?

Speaker
In this darkest time of the year mulititudes have been cheered by light from the life and loving examples of Jesus. But the inspiration of enlightenment has also come to us from unnumbered persons and many religions throughout this dear and pleasant earth we call our home.

Minister
By the symbolic lights of candles, will you show us the ways and enlightened guides who have brought illumination to our world and continue to bring it to us now?

First Child
I bring enlightenment from Buddha. (Brings candle to minister who places it on the table.)

Minister
Has the Buddha brought us illumination?

Speaker
Yes, the love and knowledge of Buddha, Zarathustra, Lao-Tse, Confucius, Gandhi, and all of the religions of Asia have brought humanity enlightenment, enriched their minds with meditation and helped them live unselfishly, with compassion and grace.

Minister
We are grateful for the religions that have brought us light and inspiration from the west.

Second Child
I bring enlightenment from Nelson Mandela. (Brings candle to the minister who places it on the table.)

Minister
What has he brought us in the spirit of this Christmas Eve?

Speaker
Nelson Mandela has brought us a life lived in the light of forgiveness and patient hope. In spite of being imprisoned and censored for decades, he retained faith in justice and liberation. When he at last gained his freedom he forgave his oppressors and worked with them to create an enlightened democracy with the promise of liberty and justice for all.

Minister
We appreciate the grace and moral, forgiving nature of this courageous man. His light belongs with us this dark night.

Third Child
I bring us enlightenment from Pocahontas and all the women of the world who have saved lives and brought peace and humanity into a world of strife. (Brings candle to the minister who places it on the table.)

Minister
How have these women brought us enlightenment in the spirit of Christmas?

Speaker
The self-sacrificing love of Pocahontas saved the life of Captain John Smith who was the alien enemy of her people. Throughout history women have brought helpfulness, compassion and ministering grace to those engaged in war. Thus they have exemplified the spirit of the Prince of Peace, whose brith we celebrate this dark night.

Minister
We are grateful for the dedication of Pocahontas and multitudes of benevolent women who brought humanity love and peace. We honor their lives of caring and concern. Their benevolence is indeed enlightening.

Fourth Child
I bring light from the life of Jesus, whose Christ-light began to reach the world on a dark night like this two thousand years ago and has brought unquenched illumination to us ever since. (Brings candle to minister who places it on the table.)

Minister
Does the agelong sacred spirit of Jesus still live? Does its healing goodness still reach our world today?

Speaker
Yes, whenever we look for the light of love in the darkness of hate, when we bring merciful forgiveness to those who trouble us or generously open our hearts and purses to those who are in need, the Christ spirit of Jesus glows and brings peace and healing to us and our world. Of course, the powerful divine love that was so apparent in the life of this brave, gentle man, is a spiritual force that eternally enlightens and blesses us all.

Minister
And so, the bright guiding star that leads to the Christ light illuminates the lives of all who go in search of it. That light brings us the gladness of Christmas which is hope, the spirit of Christmas, which is peace, and the heart of Christmas, which is love.

And now the illumination of these candles will be carried to you in this congregation even as the enlightened love of Jesus and all who have brought the world freedom, peace and spiritual inspiration will warm the hearts of who receive them.

When the candles of all have been lit, we will sing together "Silent Night," hymn 251.