Advent Week Three

It’s hard to believe we are already celebrating the third week of Advent! This week of Advent is a time of joyous reflection on the shepherds that mundanely watched over their flocks that night having no idea their lives were about to be changed forever. Imagine the fear they experienced at the sight of a spectacular angel of the Lord appearing before them. Consider the joy they felt in their hearts when the angel told them what was happening nearby in the little town of Bethlehem. Don’t forget to re-light the first two purple candles before you begin!


Here's a picture of my makeshift Advent wreath. It's not really a wreath at all, but it works in a pinch!

The Scripture Reading:

“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” Luke 2:8-20

The Prayer:

Father God it is on this night that we thank You for sharing the birth announcement with the lowly shepherds. This is how we know that Your salvation is not only for kings and princes, but for everyone, even me. Thank you for this joyful season when we can celebrate Your love for us through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

The Candle:

The third week of Advent is celebrated with the lighting of a pink candle to remind us of the shepherds and the joy of the Good News of the Savior.

The Song: (Suggested)

Silent Night, Holy Night

This beautiful song, composed in the 19th century has a very colorful background story consisting of rumors that the song had to be written for guitar as mice had purportedly eaten the organ bellows. It’s worth looking up the history associated with the hymn.