Dec. 11, 2024
The third week of Advent
The third week of the season is characterized by joy. The third candle lit during this week is usually pink, signifying the joy that comes from the nearing celebration of Christmas. Often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Candle,” it emphasizes the joy announced by the angels at Jesus’ birth.
This week serves as a vibrant reminder for Christians to experience and share joy amidst life’s challenges and to celebrate the joyous message of the gospel. It encourages believers to find delight not only in the festivities of Christmas but also in the life and teachings of Jesus. Advent invites us to enter into the dance between joy and sadness where life is lived. When we lose one we love, we mourn their loss, and we celebrate their life.
The third Sunday of Advent is a time to celebrate joy and the message of the gospel. It’s also a time to reflect on the first half of Advent and look ahead to the final weeks. Here are some things to know about the third Sunday of Advent:
Joy
The third Sunday of Advent is often called Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for “rejoice”. This Sunday emphasizes joy as a Christian virtue and a gift from God. Joy can help people find meaning in their lives, sustain relationships, and guard against despair.
Candle lighting
The third candle lit during this week is usually pink and is known as the “Shepherd’s Candle”. It symbolizes the joy of the angels at the birth of Jesus.
Worship
The third Sunday of Advent is often a time with many opportunities for worship.
Reflection
The third week of Advent is a time to pause and reflect on the first half of the season. It’s also a time to look ahead to the final weeks and prepare for the coming of Christ.
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away”. Isaiah 35:10
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Angel Program for Food Basket Families
The St James Food Basket will be closed for two weeks in a row (December 25th and January 1st) at a time when food insecurity is increasing. Therefore, the Food Basket plans to give out $20 gift cards to each household member on Wednesday, December 18th. They expect to give out 900 to 1000 gift cards to their client families. The Outreach Committee would like to continue our past support for the Christmas gift cards and provide a bit of Christmas cheer for people who are finding their resources stretched even further during the holiday season.
Outreach is asking the congregation for monetary donations to be used to purchase gift cards. Please mark your donations (cash, cheque or e-transfer) for the Outreach Account and include your envelope number. We would appreciate receiving your donations by December 15th at the latest in order that we can send the funds to the Food Basket for them to purchase the gift cards. This is the 5th year that we have had this program and the response from our members has always been very positive. Thank you in advance for your support in bringing the joy of Christmas to those in need in our community.
Prayer Roster
We are looking for additional congregants to help with the Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession. If you feel that you would like to volunteer to read this prayer occasionally on a Sunday morning, please speak to Bob
Twynam. This is not a difficult task, as this prayer can be found on the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s website. All you have to do is print it off and you are set. OR if you feel that you would like to make up your own prayer, you are most welcome to do so.
A Fall Devotional Update
A new edition of Our Daily Bread (December/January/February), as well as the current edition of These Days (October/November/December) are available on the table in the church vestibule and in the devotional box on the church porch.