Worship Programs

Theme:

"Hope of Earth, Joy of Heaven"

Third Sunday in Advent -

Reading for Candle Lighting

Heaven on Earth!

JOY CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS!

First reader:  This is the Third Sunday in Advent.  As we light the “Christ candle” and the third purple candle, we add joy to the candles of peace and hope.  We give thanks to God for these gifts.

Second reader:  Jesus, our great joy-bringer, said, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in     you and that your joy may be complete.”

Third reader:  The life of the Christian is never drab or dreary because the love of  Jesus makes and keeps our joy complete.

First reader:     Habakkuk, one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament, had     learned to trust in God regardless of his circumstances in life.  Said    he, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on      the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will     rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 

Second reader:    “When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation, and take me    home, what joy shall fill my heart!  Then I shall bow in humble     adoration, and there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!” - Stuart K. Hine.

Third reader: Joy came down at Christmas!

Prayer:

Blessed Lord, Joy fills our hearts even now as we bow in Your presence and give thanks for all You have done for us.  We would manifest our gratitude through lives of joyful service. 

            We pray in the name of the Christ of Christmas.  Amen.