JOY

The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds us of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her - a child who would save and deliver his people.

God wants us all to have joy. The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord." We light this candle to remember that Jesus brings true and everlasting joy.

Loving God, we thank you for the joy you bring us. Help us prepare our hearts for this gift. Bless our worship. Help us to hear and to do your word. We ask it in the name of the one born to bring us great joy, Jesus our Lord. Amen.