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The Third Sunday of Advent

The Shepherd’s Candle, which symbolizes JOY.

Tonight we light the Prophet’s Candle, remembering to Hope in promises of the Lord given though men and women long ago.

We also light the Bethlehem Candle, remembering Mary and Joseph’s Faith as they traveled to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born.

Finally, we shed the purple of preparation and reflection and light the pink candle. This third candle celebrates the Joy of the Shepherds upon hearing the news of Jesus’s birth!

Luke 2: 8–12
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Let us sing (or enjoy) the carol, While Shepherd’s Watched Their Flocks. May we share in the joy of the shepherds when they learned of Christ’s miraculous birth!

Continue with the day’s reading, songs, and prayer from the Joy of Advent Daily Readings.

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