From the order of worship for the third Sunday of Advent (Year C)

VOICE: 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 candles for hope and peace are lighted

VOICE: 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 Savior.”

VOICE: 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. He healed them and gave them hope and peace when they believed in him. From hope, peace, and love grows joy.

VOICE: 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.

The candle for joy is lighted

VOICE: 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.

VOICE: Let us pray. Thank you God for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.