O Come All Ye Faithful

Lesson: Light two purple candles and one pink candle. Originally, the season of Advent was a season of fasting and penitance much like Lent. The rose candle lit on Gaudete Sunday (today) signified the midway point of the season and a time for rejoicing and celebration. This candle is the Shepherd's candle; it reminds us that we, like the shepherds must come to Christ, believe in him, and go rejoicing, telling the good news of Jesus' advent to others.

Scripture: Luke 2: 8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Prayer: Lord God, we light this candle to thank you for your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. We who have sat in darkness have seen a great light, the light of Jesus Christ, our salvation. Amen.

Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful