Third Sunday of Advent —December 13, 2015
Light the three candles on your wreath and read together the
following meditation:
First Reader: This is
the third Sunday in Advent. Today we light three purple candles. (OR two purple
candles and the pink candle.) The first Sunday, we lit the candle of hope. On
the second Sunday, we lit the candle of love. Today, we light the candle of
joy. One thing that sometimes happens as
we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth is we expect to be happy all the
time. Joy is not the same as happy. Joy is a deeper feeling created by knowing
that God cares for us. Joy is remembering that God sent Jesus so we would
always know of God’s care. During Advent, we pray that we may remember again
God’s gift of Jesus to the world and know the joy that gift brings to all
people.
(Light the first, second, and third candles.)
All: Sing or read
together the hymn, “Joy to the World,” page 246, The United Methodist Hymnal.
Second Reader: When we
look at the third candle, we remember God’s promise of joy. God promised to
send a Savior to the people. Today we read from the Gospel of Luke. In the
Scripture, we read Mary’s song of praise and joy. There must have been times
when Mary was frightened, worried, fearful, and sad. But we have these words of
joy, even in a time when she was unsure of the future. Her words can guide us
to look for the joy of God, even when things may be uncertain for us.
First Reader: Read
Luke 1:47-55
Discussion: How
privileged we are to have this beautiful song of Mary. Can you imagine her
singing the words written in Scripture? It is a testimony to her faith and joy
at being chosen as God’s servant.
Who in our world need God’s joy?
What are our hopes for joy in our world today?
How do we help others know that God gives joy?
Prayer: Dear God:
Thank you for your son, Jesus. Thank you for the joy remembering Jesus’ birth
brings to us today. Help us live in such a way that our words and our actions
help others know of the joy you give.
AMEN.
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