Advent 16

Third Week of Advent

Add the pink candle today

* Invocation

Heavenly Father, in this third week of Advent, as we look to the coming of the Christ, prepare our hearts and minds for the great Light of His saving grace.

* Summation

In this third week we read of John the Baptist proclaiming the joyful news that the Christ is nigh. As He was near to those long ago, so is He near to us today, in His Word, in His Sacraments, and in His power and grace in our lives.

*Bible Reading

From John 1

There was a man sent from God, whose name wasJohn.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all menthrough him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

And he came preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

“Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, 

He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 

Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”

* The Lighting

We light the third candle of Advent. We kindle it in JOY that our heavenly Father fulfilled His promises and gave us the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world, that we may always REJOICE in His grace.

* Prayer

O Christ, Light of the world, come to us. Help us to REJOICE as we heed John's call to prepare for your coming. Smooth the rough places of our hearts, lower the peaks of our pride, build up our low spirits as we contemplate the greatness of the gifts You have given to us. Help us to be content in the places You have put us and the duties You have given us. As we have been baptised into new life in Christ, so daily cleanse our hearts and minds to follow You in holy living. Help us to prepare for Your Advent in fervent prayers, deeds of holy compassion, greater faith in Your holy will, that we may reflect your Light in this dark world.

*Song

God of Joy, O shine on us;

Guide our path in this life's night;

Make us fruitful in contentment;

Come to us, O Christ the Light.

Watercolor 181

On Jordan's banks? Well, use your imagination.

We got our first snow last night. Not much, but something.

Beautiful bunny house

Fruits ready for use.