2013 Advent Wreath Meditations: Third Sunday of Advent (McIntyre)

Third Sunday of Advent: December 15, 2013

(Light the first candle.)

We light the first candle, reminding us of God’s promise of peace on earth.

(Light the second candle.)

We light the second candle, reminding us that we are to dispel the darkness of sickness, poverty, injustice, and suffering all around us.

James 5:7-10 (NRSV)

7. Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.
8. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
9. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!
10. As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

O God, you command us to be patient in our waiting for Jesus’ coming. As the farmer prepares the field and waits for the harvest in patience, may we also prepare our lives and wait for your coming in patience.

(Light the third candle.)

Lord, may the constant light of this candle serve as an example of the kind of constant patience we are to have in our living and in our relationships with one another.

As we rush about with shopping, parties, cooking, decorating, and the busyness of these days, may we not forget the true reason why we do these things; and may we not grumble against one another.

Our hearts are strong, Lord, for your coming is near.

Song: "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," stanza 2 (United Methodist Hymnal, 218)

Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.

(All): Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

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This meditation is Copyright © 2013 by the Discipleship Ministries, and it is used with permission of The United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, P. O. Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203; telephone (615) 340-7070. Scripture verses are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and are used by permission.

Links:

Advent Wreath Candlelighting Meditations for Home and Church – 2013 (McIntyre)
First Sunday of Advent
Second Sunday of Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve