Fourth Candle – Joy
The fourth candle of the Advent wreath is the candle of Joy. The Angels announced the joy of Christ’s birth to the shepherds. The Babe of Bethlehem will come again with all His angels to take us home and establish His everlasting kingdom.
The Revelation of St. John records, in the twenty-second chapter:
“Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of god and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign for ever and ever.
‘I, Jesus have sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star.’ The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.
He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
Prayer of the Day
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Benediction
May God the Father create his kingdom of justice and love among us.
May God the Son come among us in power to reveal in our midst the promise of his glory.
May God the Spirit make us steadfast in faith, joyful in hope and constant in love.
And the blessing of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – be with us, and remain upon us always. Amen.