Sunday, December 15, 2013

Advent Celebration





Advent Celebration Week Three - JOY
By Carri Pratt

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, 
which shall be to all people.”
Luke 2:10

This week is a great and JOYFUL celebration of advent! The theme for this week is "Joy" because Jesus has come into our world to free us from the bondage of sin and darkness. We have much to be joyful for in our lives!

As you go through this week, focus on how Jesus has brought joy into your life.

Celebrating Advent is a special way to keep Jesus Christ at the center of your Christmas Season. All you need is a Bible, a few candles and a willing heart to share the true meaning of Christmas with your family.

Instructions for Celebrating Advent Week 3:

Candle to Light: The 1st 2nd & 3rd candles (traditional = 2 purple & 1 pink)

Family Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-12          read at www.Biblegateway.com

Prayer:  Father God, may we experience the great joy proclaimed by the angel sent to earth by You. Help us to overcome anything in our lives that might stand in the way of our joy. Help us to focus on the greatest blessing we could receive, the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.


Digging Deeper…
Week Three is also known as “The Shepherd’s Candle” because the good news was proclaimed first to the Shepherds, by Heavenly Angels.

About Advent Wreaths - Candle Colors
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
The purple candles in particular symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices and goods works undertaken at this time. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, when the priest also wears rose vestments at Mass; Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas.

 

No comments: