The Fourth Week of Advent
December 23—December 25, 2018
The Joy Candle
Re-light the first three candles.
Light the fourth candle on the outer circle and say:
Today we light the Candle of Joy. Today we remember the joy of the first Christmas. We are thankful
for Christ’s coming to earth, for God’s great love for us, for Christ’s promise to return again. We are
joyful as we realize the amazing good news of Christ’s birth. In the midst of whatever joys or sorrows
this season brings, let us remember the greatest joy: the coming of God to earth for our salvation.
We pray that Christ would show us ways to share this joy with the world.
Come, Lord Jesus, into the darkness of the world! May your light shine brightly, and may we be
faithful as we await your return. Renew us, so that we may welcome you with joy! Amen.
THIS WEEK AT DPC:
December 23 9:15 a.m. Children & Youth Service Sunday–cookies for emergency responders,
Slack Fellowship Hall
Advent Study, “Names for the Messiah, from Walter Bruggemann”
10:30 a.m. Worship Service–Dr. Todd Speed, 4th Sunday in Advent, Christmas Joy
Offering, Lighting the Candle of Joy, Sanctuary
December 24 3:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service for Families with Young Children, Children’s
Cricket Choir sings, Sanctuary
5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service, Communion, child-led, Children’s Carol and
Chapel Choirs and Youth Covenant Choirs sing, Sanctuary
10:30 p.m. Candlelight Service of Lessons & Carols, Communion, Chancel Choir and
Brass Quartet, Sanctuary