Third Week
LEADER: As our nights grow longer and our days grow short,
we look on these earthly signs – light and green branches -
and remember God’s promise to our world:
Christ, our Light and our Hope, will come.
Listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet:
The people that walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those who lived in a land as dark as death
a light has dawned.
You have increased their joy
and given them gladness;
They rejoice in your presence
as those who rejoice at harvest,
as warriors exult when dividing spoil. Is. 9:1-2
This prayer may be said every time the candles are lit. The following antiphon is prayed as a response.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
LEADER: O God, rejoicing, we remember the promise of your Son. As the light from this candle, may the blessing of Christ come upon us, brightening our way and guiding us by his truth. May Christ our Savior bring life into the darkness of our world, and to us, as we wait for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Third Week: the Shepherds’ Candle – The Candle of JOY
On the third Sunday of Advent, we light three candles on our Advent Wreath. Watch the light grow and fill the room with its soft glow. The third candle on our Advent wreath is called the Shepherds’ Candle. It reminds us of what the shepherds did.
The third candle of Advent is also 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.
Then the third candle is lit. If you don’t have a candle, we invite you to use the candle-lighting video here:
SHARE WITH OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY:
What does “Advent Joy” mean to you? Share your reflections with the community by using #CarmelAdvent or the #CarmelPrays, #CarmelJoy. You can use the hashtags on any of our online media platforms (comment below on Carmelites.net, Facebook, Twitter etc). We will compile the best reflections from the community and add them to our honor roll each week.