Can you believe were ready for the THIRD Sunday of Advent? This weeks word is JOY! Scripture Reading: • Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 • John 1:6-8, 19-28 Some churches teach a special significance for each of the four Advent candles, but there is no longer a common tradition of themes. The third, sometimes known as the the Shepherds candle and sometimes known as the Mary candle, emphasizes the joy of finding the Christ child and the witnessing of this joy to others. So today, we light the pink candle and then re-light the first two purple candles that stand for week one and week two (Hope and Prepare). Over the years Ive read several theories about why the candle is pink. One story goes that it was once a tradition for the pope to give someone a rose on the fourth Sunday of Lent before Easter to liven up the somber tone of the season. Advent was also a solemn time, as people fasted to prepare for the holiday. The rose custom became part of the third Sunday of Advent. Eventually, the third candle turned pink as well. Do you like that the candle for the third week is pink??? Does it matter to you? Sometimes its fun to sing new words to old tunes and this week I thought Id share these words about lighting the Advent Candles that can be sung to the tune of Away in a Manger. Sing loud so I can hear you! THE ADVENT CANDLES Tune: Away in a Manger (First Sunday) A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright; A candle of Hope in Decembers dark night. While angels sing blessings from heavns starry sky Our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh. (Second Sunday) A candle is burning, a candle of Peace; A candle to signal that conflict must cease. For Jesus is coming to show us the way; A message of Peace humbly laid in the hay. (Third Sunday) A candle is burning, a candle of Joy; A candle to welcome brave Marys new boy. Our hearts fill with wonder and eyes light and glow As Joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow. (Fourth Sunday) A candle is burning, a candle of Love; A candle to point us to heaven above. A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth; For Jesus is bringing Gods Love to our earth.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 06:17:44 +0000
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