In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Welcome to the third week in Advent. 

Our three lit candles represent our purple candles of HOPE and PEACE, and this week’s pink candle of JOY.   

Daniel and his family walk through the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights. They see a Santa that moves and laughs, “Ho, ho-ho.” They see an inflatable reindeer, a snowman and candy canes that light up. 

Daniel’s favorite decoration doesn’t have blinking lights or sound effects. It’s a small wooden stable with statues of Mary and Joseph, a donkey, a shepherd and some sheep. In the center is an empty manger. Daniel asks his parents if they can walk by the house every day. “I can’t wait to see baby Jesus in that manger”, he says. 

Our burning candles of hope, peace and joy on our Advent wreath are reminding us to keep getting ready for Jesus. Have you chosen to do something special to prepare your heart for Jesus on Christmas Day? 

Think of something that Jesus would like you to do. Maybe you could cheer someone up who is sad or lonely? Maybe you could help out at home without being asked. What will you do?

Let us pray: Creator God, thank you for always being with us. We thank you today for all the things that bring JOY into our lives – our friends, our families, our pets, and so much more. Guide me in Your ways, Lord, to bring JOY to someone today. 

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen