Advent Week 3
Joy

The third candle of Advent symbolizes Joy. As we continue to approach Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. The third candle takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem, even before the wise men. On this third Sunday of Advent, which the Church calls “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice or praise, we light the third candle and rejoice like the shepherds. For this reason, the third candle of Advent is called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” and its color is pink, the liturgical color for joy.

Sunflower

Our Image this week...

Sunflowers are one of those unique things in nature that, when you see them, you can't help but smile and be amazed. They are big and strikingly beautiful, towering above everything around it with its deep, golden yellow heads, while reaching to the sun for nourishment and life. Every day they follow the sun, and in return, the sun blesses them, feeds them with its warmth and light making them radiant in appearance.

They remind us that the more our lives are turned to Jesus, the SON of God for our reliance and trust, the more we too are blessed in return with the gifts of hope and joy- even in the midst of storms and darkened skies.

"Let your face shine upon us O Lord, and we shall be saved"

- Psalm 79

"What in my life right now do I need to bring before the Son? What has been darkened by fear or control that needs the warmth and light of Jesus‘s blessing and transformation?"

Night Prayer

Father God, the joy that flooded the hearts of the shepherds, the angels and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to transform our hearts with trust in You. Shine your blessing of protection and peace upon us and those we love as we ready our hearts for the coming of your Son this Christmas. Keep us always turned to You.

In the name of Jesus, I pray,

Amen.