Week Three

The Candle of Joy (small white votive)

Scripture

  • Isaiah 35:1-2, 5-6, 10 (NLT):Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the LORD will display his glory, the splendor of our God... And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland... Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.

  • Luke 1:46-49 (NLT):Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me."Luke 2:10-11 – “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”

Explanation for Kids

  • This candle represents Joy. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete gow-DET-eh Sunday, meaning “Rejoice.” This candle reminds us of the great joy that Jesus' birth brings to the world. As we light this candle, think about all the good things we are grateful for, being filled with joy because of knowing Jesus and how we can spread joy to others.