Prayer Around the Advent Wreath:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Leader: Come Holy Spirit! In this third week of Advent, we ask You to fill our hearts with joy as we prepare for Jesus, who is coming soon!
All: Come, Lord Jesus.
Family member lights the first and second purple, as well as the rose candle.
Leader: Lord, as we journey closer to Christmas, center our joyful anticipation on Jesus’ coming. Of course You know that we are excited about gifts, decorations, gatherings, and treats. Let all of these passing joys point us toward the unending joy that we find in knowing and loving Jesus.
All: Come, Lord Jesus.
Leader: Lord, as we joyfully look forward to Christmas, guard us against worry, stress, and unnecessary obligations. Help us clear out whatever busyness distracts us from Jesus or steals our joy. Give us clear eyes and hearts so that, without distractions, we might joyfully prepare for Jesus’ birth.
All: Fill our hearts with hope, peace, and joy! Amen.
Table Talk:
The third candle is pink and is the “Candle of Joy.” It recalls the joy we have in knowing, loving, and following Christ – no material possession or gift can take the place of the joy we have in friendship with Jesus.
- How is Joy different from happiness?
- Can you recall a time in your life when you experienced great joy despite difficult circumstances?
- Why is joy one of the themes of Advent?
- How do we joyfully anticipate Christ coming?
- How might we keep our hearts focused toward the true source of Christmas joy?
- How might we share joy with others, particularly with those who may be struggling during the holiday season?
From the Catechism: Joy is another fruit of the Holy Spirit. “True happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or any human achievement…or indeed in any creature, but in God alone, the source of every good and of all love“ (CCC 1723). “Although man can forget God or reject him, He never ceases to call every man to seek him, so as to find life and happiness” (CCC 30).