An Advent Candle Reading in the Aftermath of Tragedy

This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Advent when we traditionally light the candle of JOY. I am having a hard time cultivating joy in the midst of the unfolding tragedy in Connecticut today.

I wrote the following reading that we will use for our candle lighting this Sunday at The Journey.

Please feel free to use it if you would like and make any changes you feel necessary.

Kyrie Eleison

Sean

Advent 3

Today is the third Sunday of Advent in which we prepare for the arrival of Jesus the Christ. Traditionally the theme for this Sunday is Joy. While we pray for joy today, we acknowledge that our hearts are heavy in the aftermath of another senseless tragedy in our country. We re-light the candles of Peace and Love and as we do so, we express our deepest longing for the Prince of Peace to come and wipe away every tear. We wait expectantly for the Lord of Love to return and make all things new. And now with sincere faith we light the candle of Joy, and proclaim with the Psalmist that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

Let us pray

Redeemer God you are close to the brokenhearted, and you save those whose spirits are crushed. Fill us today with your joy. Bring comfort to all who mourn, and remind us all that you are Emmanuel – God with us. We long for the day when you will come again and wipe away every tear from our eyes. We long for the day when there shall be no more death, or sorrow, or crying, or pain. Until that day, we will wait. And we will trust that as we do, our strength will be renewed. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.