Third Sunday of Advent: Joy

Today we light the candle of Joy.

Pray with Me

God of all hope, 
who fills us with joy,

Just as this third candle casts more light into this room,
so our anticipation for Your return casts light into our lives.

As we celebrate this season,
the grandeur, gifts, and gatherings we have
are simple reflections of our joy that is complete in You. 

We rejoice in these words of the prophet Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion;
instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot;
therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion;
they shall have everlasting joy.

Isaiah 61

Amen.