Week Three - Joy

Last Sunday we lit the candle of peace. We light it
and the candle of hope again as we remember that Christ,
who was born in Bethlehem, will come again to judge the
world and bring it everlasting peace.

The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. When
the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be
born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song
that began with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.

Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his
mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those
who had none before.

Jesus healed them and gave them hope
and peace when they believed in him. From hope, peace,
and love grows joy. We light the candle of joy to remind us that when
Jesus is born in us we have joy and that through him there will
be everlasting joy on earth.

Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we
look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus
Christ.

Source: http://www.rockies.net/~spirit/sermons/c-advn-candles.php


(Incidentally, Chuckles & another girl read this in church yesterday as the advent candles were being lit)