ADVENT | Good News of Great Joy

In a review of our continued progression in the season of Advent, Week 1 represented the prophecy candle. Prophets of old foretold and John the Baptist proclaimed, as God's people waited and watched for the promised Messiah. Our Hope is in this promise from God as we again watch and wait ... for His return.

Week 2 represented the Bethlehem candle or candle of preparation, remembering Jesus came in humility and simplicity. He was laid in a manger of straw, not in a cradle of gold and silk. We know that God can do great things from a humble beginning. It is also a time for making ourselves ready by having faith in Jesus, trusting in Him and asking God to ready our hearts to welcome Him.

This is Week 3 and is represented with the Shepherd candle or candle of great, everlasting Joy. We will read of and imagine the shepherds, the manger and the innkeeper. With the shepherds quietly watching their sheep by night, angels appeared and announced the good news of great joy which sent them on a wonderful, curious faith walk to see this thing that had happened.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.' — Luke 2:13-14