Advent Candles
Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. Luke 2:17
The third candle is the shepherd candle. We sometimes refer to this candle as the “Joy” candle because of the great joy that the shepherds exhibited upon seeing the Savior. Their joy was so great that they couldn’t keep it inside. They made “widely known” what was told to them about Jesus.
What a rollercoaster of emotions these shepherds found themselves on that night! Their plans of a long night watching over sheep in the fields had been wildly interrupted by an angel. The sudden appearance of this heavenly being brought great fear to their hearts. The angel did not let this emotion of fear remain. “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” (Luke 2:10-12)
Then a multitude of angels appeared before the shepherds proclaiming the glory of God. What choice did the shepherds have, but to investigate what these heavenly messengers had told them? They found Jesus as the angels said. Great joy entered their hearts when they met their Savior in the flesh.
When we light the Shepherd candle, we too can have joy in our hearts. Our joy is to know Jesus as our Savior. Our joy is knowing all our sins are forgiven. Our joy is so great we can’t help but share it with those around us. May your joy in your Savior overflow.
While by the sheep we watched at night,
glad tidings brought an angel bright.
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Praise we the Lord in heaven on high!
Lift Up Your Hearts #90