on this Third Sunday of Advent,
through the example of St. John the Baptist,
we light our pink candle of joy
knowing that you liberate us from all oppression.
In our lives we have faced
challenges and struggles.
Around the world,
we see our sisters and brothers suffer.
Yet we know that Jesus came to
“bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the Lord.”
Teach us that it is better to a light candle
than curse the darkness.
Help us to be your spark of joy
to bring light and hope
to all who need your love
to lift them from their suffering and oppression.
Make us your missionary disciples.
We ask this through Jesus
who knew what it meant
to share the joy of your love
in the midst of darkness.
Amen.
Photo: Tanzania (Children from the Deaf School performing)
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Journey with us each day of Advent...
Remember as a child the joy and wonder you experienced each day during Advent when you opened the doors to your Advent Calendar, counting down the days to Christmas, and finding your surprise?
This Advent, find the surprise of opening the day with inspiration not found behind the doors an Advent Calendar but on Maryknoll’s Facebook page. Join us each day as we discover the amazing gift of God’s love. Discover a daily example of someone who truly lived the Advent Journey. Ponder, reflect and pray with us as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas joy as missionary disciples who bring God’s love to our lives, the lives of others, and our world. Go now to the Facebook Page.
Learn more about Advent Wreaths at http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/advent/about-advent-wreaths.cfm