“Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding! “Christ is near,” we hear it say, cast away the works of darkness, all you children of the day!” My brothers and sisters in Christ, as we light the candle of Joy this week, let us liken the flame as to God’s light shining in the dark places of our lives, to bring us Joy.

“Startled at the solemn warning, let the earthbound soul arise; Christ, its sun, all sloth dispelling, shines upon the morning skies. See, the Lamb, so long expected, comes with pardon down from heaven, let us haste, with tears of sorrow, one and all, to be forgiven. So, when next he comes in glory, and the world is wrapped in fear, He will shield us with his mercy, and with words of love draw near.”