The Lighting of the Shepherd Candle – (pink) the candle of Joy
Luke 2:7-15
As we re-light the first two purple candles, we remember Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit.”
We are preparing for the Advent at Christmas, walking through those historical steps, and taking time to understand and cherish every memory of them.
- We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, forgive, and restore.
- We remember our hope for a Savior to save us from our sins and restore our broken relationship with God.
- We are reminded of our hope for the second coming of Christ, and to prepare our hearts for His soon return.
By lighting one candle each week, we pause to think upon the birth of Christ, event by event. Over the last two weeks, we have focused on the prophecies regarding His coming, the many prophecies that were fulfilled at His birth, and how the balance of them will be fulfilled when He returns. Seeing how God kept His promise to the people of Israel encourages us to believe God will keep His promise to us, and we look forward to the day He comes again.
Today, we remember the Lord, Who is our Shepherd. As we light the Shepherd’s candle and read the Holy Scriptures, may our joy over our Lord’s first coming overflow in our hearts, and may our anticipation for Christ’s second coming be renewed.
- Read Psalm 126:1-6
- Read Zephaniah 3:14-20
- Read Philippians 4:4-7
We light this candle because, like God’s people centuries ago, we know that God has come in Christ and that Christ will come again. We rejoice in God’s work in history and in the future. The pink color means joy!
Prayer of Hope:
Dear God, as we light this candle, we rejoice. We know the first act of the Christmas story ended with the birth of Jesus the Messiah, and we know that He will soon come again in all of His glory. So even though the story isn’t over, we wait for You, rejoicing in hope. Amen!
Wonderful message from heaven,
wonderful promise to sing;
Savior of sinners is Jesus,
Down through the years it will ring.
Great is His grace and His mercy,
Great is His kindness and love;
Now and forever, we’ll praise Him,
Here and in heaven above
Alleluia, Alleluia
Let all our voices agree.
Alleluia, Alleluia
Savior of sinners is He.
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