ADVENT 2024

Week 3
December 15 thru 21

Week 3

Daily Reflections

(to view the Reflections,
click on one of the images below
to open the photo gallery)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Opening Song

Light of the World
John Redgrave
 

Opening Prayer

O Emmanuel,
may this wreath and its light remind us
that it is Jesus who came to fulfill all our desires.
Bless this wreath and all who gather around it
as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas.
 
Come, Lord Jesus, bring HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE to our world.
 
(Light the third candle of the Advent Wreath; Pink)
 

Scripture Reading

A Reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.
 
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
 
I shall say it again: rejoice!
 
Your kindness should be known to all.
 
The Lord is near.
 
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
 
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
 
(Philippians 4:4-7)
 
 
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
 
 
 

Reflection

Happiness is dependent upon the circumstances in which we find ourselves, while the JOY of the Lord is with us no matter the circumstances. A great way to drive out fear and darkness is by singing a joyful song of praise to the Lord. Shout for JOY with all our hearts, “My God is the joy of my soul!”
 
 
 

Children’s Video

SOUNDING JOY
Ellie Holcomb
 

Meditation

For Unto Us  –  JOY
by Lo Alaman
 

Questions to Contemplate

What makes you happy?

What makes you JOYful?

In what ways can we stay JOYful even if we are not happy?

How is it possible for God’s JOY to be a song in our hearts?

What are some of your favorite songs to sing?
 
 
 

Closing Prayer

Jesus, help us to hear Your Good News as we await Jesus’ coming. May He bring us peace, joy, and renewal in His Love. Open our hearts and minds in prayer as we await Jesus’ coming.
 
 

Closing Song

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Voices Elevated