Today is the third Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Joy. We light this candle in remembrance of the joy Christ brings to the world.

Dear Lord, we are thankful for the joy that you bring to us; help us to see and to understand that in you is fullness of joy; help us to turn aside from the distractions of this world that prevents us from sharing in your joy, walking in your joy, and hoping in your joy and focus on you. As we celebrate this season in hope, peace, joy and love, may we be always hopeful, peaceful, joyful and loving; may we keep the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love burning in our hearts always, may we share these with others who are still walking in darkness, and by you and I shining the light that is in us, the light of Christ, others will be led by it; for the light reminds us, that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, hope, peace, joy and love. It also reminds us, that we are called to be a light to the world, as we reflect the light of God’s grace to us and project it on others. My brothers and sisters in Christ, have you experienced God’s marvelous light? If you have not yet experienced it, it’s worth a try, for when you are blinded by the light, you will have no other choice but to allow God to lead you and guide in the path he prepared for you. Praise the Lord!