Many churches are used to lighting candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. This is written for that tradition, using scriptures for the day from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In places where the tradition is to use families to light the Advent wreath, it is advised that family be defined by Christ—as those groups seeking to follow the Lord—not just as biological family.
Even the smallest children, who cannot read yet, can participate by announcing why we’re lighting the various candles.