2015 Advent Wreath Meditations — Year C, Third Sunday of Advent (McIntyre)

by Dean B. McIntyre
Former Director of Music Resources, Discipleship Ministries

This set of brief meditations and scripture may be used in lighting the candles of the Advent wreath in worship at church or home. Each meditation uses one of the 2015 lectionary readings for that day. The readings are divided into sections that can be assigned to various persons participating, including children. Choose from among the hymn options to conclude each meditation. Permission is granted to download, copy, adapt, edit, and reprint for home or local church worship with the inclusion of the copyright citation on each copy.

Third Sunday of Advent (December 13, 2015)

Rejoice in the Lord always.
[Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.]
And again I will say, rejoice.
[Light the seond candle.]

Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Jesus is near. Despite the busy-ness, the pressure, and the assault of our senses that so often passes for Christmas, we have the promise of scripture that … Jesus is near.

When the shopping drains us physically, and the spending drains us financially,

…when we forget which party we’re supposed to attend on which day,
…when we think we can’t stand to hear “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” one more time,
…then we will remember to REJOICE…..and again…..REJOICE.

And we will light a candle to help us remember that Jesus is near. The peace of God will keep us in Christ Jesus.

[Light the third candle.]

ALL: COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.

• “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” No. 230 (st. 3), The United Methodist Hymnal
• “Come and Fill Our Hearts,” no. 2157, The Faith We Sing (sing at least twice)
• “View the Present through the Promise” no. 3048 (st. 1), Worship & Song

New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.