By Dana Curtin
Sunday we will celebrate the third Sunday of Advent. The two purple candles in the advent wreath which were lit previously will be relit. The pink candle, which symbolizes JOY, will also be lighted. This candle is sometimes known as the Shepherd’s Candle.
If your children are too young to light the candles, you can still let them participate by blowing the candles out at the end of your celebration time.
Since this candle is sometimes called the Shepherd’s Candle, read Luke 2:8-20, which tells about the angles visiting the shepherds while they were tending their sheep in the field. The angels told the shepherds not to be afraid, because they were bringing them good news of great JOY!
What good news has your family received this year? Ask each one in your family what has brought them joy this past year. Some families may be hard pressed to think of anything. Maybe your family has experienced a job loss, divorce, or the death of a love one. Take heart – the angels message is for everyone and is just as true today as it was that night – “…Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people (emphasis mine). Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11. The good news (gospel) is reason for JOY!
