Advent 3

We light the candle of hope and of peace, and along with them this week the candle of joy. What joy Mary must have felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her, a child who would save and deliver the people. God wants us all to have joy. The angel who announced to the shepherds that Jesus had been born told them: "Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people -- for to you is born this day, in the City of David, a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." We light this third candle to remember that Christ brings the promise of a new life, in which the blind receive sight, the lame walk again, and prisoners are set free. He is the bearer of true and everlasting joy.

Loving God, we thank you for the joy you bring us.

Help us to prepare our hearts for this gift.

Bless our worship. Help us to hear and to do your Word.

We ask this in the name of the One born in Bethlehem. Amen.