Photo credit, Connie Schaible
Light the last two weeks' candles, and then light the pink candle for "joy."
A suggested prayer: "Lord, Father, God, we light this candle to thank you for your son our savior Jesus Christ, who brings us great joy even if the darkest of times. We who have walked in the shadow of the valley of death have found life in the resurrection of Jesus. This abiding joy holds fast within us. We give you thanks and praise in the name of Jesus Christ, because he lives and reigns with you in your glory. Amen."
Readings
Isaiah 9:6-7
John 1:19-34
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Philippians 2:1-11
Your own closing prayer, but as I type this, I'm thinking and praying the song lyric, "If we ever needed you, Lord it's now, Lord it's now..."
Unscripted words are hard for me right now, with all that's going on, but he will understand our prayers even if ineloquent, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:25-27.
Alternate reading for little ones:
Luke 1:26-45 (when reading this with children, I use "am not married" instead of virgin)
and, if you still have a captive audience,
John 1:19-34
In the Luke selection, Mary meets Elizabeth--John's mother, and in the John chapter, John the Baptist is proclaim Jesus' reign. It's a great way to remind kids (and myself) that Jesus was born to save us.
Very nice post and very helpful during this time of sorrow. Thanks so much for caring. :)
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ReplyDeleteThis has been a really tough weekend. I'm glad God provides comfort in His word.
ReplyDeleteWe call the third Sunday (pink candle) Gaudete Sunday as a sign of joy that Christ's arrival is imminent.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting all these readings!