A special feature of advent is the lighting of the Advent Candle by different families and individuals from our church family, during the worship service each Sunday in Advent and on Christmas Eve.

SERVICE FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Candle-Lighting Ceremony:  Relight the first two candles and  say, ’The first candle reminds us of hopes of the prophets, the second of the humble birth in Bethlehem.  This third candle reminds us of the wonder of the shepherds as they were given the first news of the Holy Birth.’

Scripture:  The Story of the Shepherds

⁸ That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep.⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened.¹⁰ The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people.¹¹ Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.¹² This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box.” Luke 2:8-12(NCV)

Prayer:  Dear God, may we, like the shepherds, share the wonder of the Good News of Jesus’ birth and praise God for his most precious gift.  Amen.