Living Your Faith At Home – The Third Week of Advent
The Catholic Advent wreath features four candles, each representing one of the four Sundays of Advent and symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Each Sunday, a new candle is lit, gradually increasing the light as Christmas approaches.
The four candles have a special name and meaning. Each time you light the third candle during the week of Advent starting on December 15, a corresponding Bible verse and prayer can be said.
The Shepherd’s Candle represents JOY (pink candle). Pink stands for joy and happiness, and the shepherds felt great joy when they heard about the birth of Jesus.
A message for the week: We feel joy as we get closer to Christmas and remember how the shepherds felt when they heard the good news of Jesus’ birth.
Bible verse: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’ For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” – Luke 2:8-11
Prayer: Dear Jesus, this week, help us find joy even when life is busy. Let us remember how much happiness your love brings into our lives. Amen.
