ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING – JOY
VOICE A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
VOICE He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
VOICE He will provide those who grieve a crown of beauty instead of ashes, to those who mourn he will give the oil of gladness, and upon those who live in sorrow and despair he will pour out a spirit of praise.
VOICE As the soil makes the sprout comes up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Lord will shine forth upon us and bring to us and our world everlasting joy.
Light the First, Second, and Third Candle (the pink candle)
VOICE Let us Pray - Loving God, we thank you for the light that you have sent and are sending into the world, the light that even now lights our path. Come among us and fill us with the joy that you want all your children to have. Make us ones who by word and action bring praise and glory to you and your chosen one, the Christ who redeems all people. Amen.