Plain Print: Leader
Bold Print: Congregation
The true light, which enlightens everyone,
was coming into the world.
Light dawns for the righteous, and joy for
the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous.
We will give thanks to his holy name!
We spend so much of our lives searching for
happiness. We think it can be found in earthly
things: Having the latest toy or gadget we
saw on T.V., hanging out with the most popular
kids in school or knowing the right people
in the community, being free to do the things
WE want to do. But earthly things are fleeting.
Sin corrupts our efforts. And happiness is
so elusive. True, lasting Joy only comes
when we live in obedience to God's will.
So God sent us his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus
did not come as an enforcer, but to teach
us how to know and follow God's will through
the example of his own life. And because
Jesus was obedient, even to death on the
cross, God forgives us and sets us free from
sin so that we can choose to follow God's
will too.
(Light the first and second purple candles
and the pink candle)
The first candle of Advent is the candle
of Love. The Second candle of Advent is the
candle of Hope. The Third candle is the candle
of Joy. We light this candle because Jesus
shines the light of God's wisdom into our
lives so that we might find true joy.
O Lord, our creator, you made each one of us and you know all things good for us. You sent your Son to shed the light of your wisdom into our lives. He died and rose again that we might be free to follow you. Through your Son we have found joy in living as your children. We lift our hearts in song, for you are worthy of our praises. AMEN.