Greetings in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ,

 

On this third Sunday of Advent, we reflect on the message of Isaiah Chapter12. Let's read the Old Testament scripture that supports this week's theme:

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1 And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

 

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

 

3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

 

4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

 

5 Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

 

6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

 

Isaiah 12 is a short chapter consisting of only six verses, and it is a hymn of thanksgiving and praise to God for His salvation and faithfulness. It is a song of joy that reflects the restoration and redemption of God’s people.

1. Thanksgiving for Salvation (Verses 1-3): The chapter begins with an expression of gratitude to God for turning His anger away and comforting His people. It emphasizes that God is their strength, salvation, and source of joy. The faithful are encouraged to draw water from the wells of salvation, symbolizing spiritual renewal and abundant life.

2. Proclamation of God’s Greatness (Verses 4-6): The latter part of the chapter shifts to a call for the community to praise and proclaim God's deeds to the world. The people are encouraged to sing and shout for joy because the Lord is among them, and His name is exalted. It highlights God's presence and mighty acts as reasons for jubilation.

 

Isaiah 12 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and a call to rejoice in His salvation with heartfelt praise.

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Advent Candle Lighting Liturgy

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Reader 1:  Read Isaiah 12:1-6

 

Reader 2:

 No matter what troubles overwhelm us today, Isaiah reminds us that in all of our preparation, we must not forget that God’s salvation has come and is coming. “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). With joy you will remember that God’s salvation is already present among us.

 

 

 

Reader 1: 

 Faced with the troubles and the suffering of the world, we choose to live in joyful presence to God and one another. We will not turn away from the pain and the hurt in our world, and we will not stop rejoicing in God, whose salvation fills us to overflowing that God’s love might flow through us and flood our troubled world with hope, peace, and joy.

 

 

 

Reader 2: 

 We light this candle of joy as a sign of our commitment to be present to ourselves, our friends, our families, and our neighbors that in sharing our vulnerable lives we might share in the glorious joy of God’s salvation together.

 

 

 

**Light the third (pink/rose) candle of the Advent wreath.

 

 

 

Suggested Song: "Joy To The World"

 

 

With Love,

 

Pastor Fred A. Gray