This Sunday, we light the 3rd candle on the Advent wreath, traditionally known as the candle of JOY. The prophets Zephaniah & Isaiah call for God’s people to rejoice – and the apostle Paul writes his famous words to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice! …. The Lord is near; do not worry about anything!” We continue to hear the voice of John the Baptizer crying out in the wilderness, calling us to “prepare the way of the Lord” through lives transformed by the fire of the Holy Spirit! Our LS children & youth are offering a special time of joy for the entire congregation on Sunday at 5pm – and all of Living Springs is preparing for the Outdoor Nativity on Dec. 18 & 19 – so sign up to help, and spread the word to everyone you know! Please support our Youth with their Elf Store, Cocoa Cones & Christmas Ornament projects; and don’t forget the special ways to share God’s hope with our Advent food boxes, World Hunger Good Gifts, and Christmas Dove Tree for children/youth in need. Daily Advent e-devotions continue to arrive as beacons of hope in our email, along with at-home Advent resources for families, youth, & children. What a truly joyful time of year this is, as our hearts are prepared faithfully for the coming of our Lord!
