THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT: The Promise of Joy
SCRIPTURE: “I will rejoice in the Lord greatly; my whole being shall exalt in my God; for he has clothed me with the garment of salvation.”
LITANY:
Leader: Our response is “O God, give us joy.” Lord, through your prophets you have promised us your joy. You have declared good news to those who are oppressed. R
Leader: We continue to place our hope in your promise, O God, to bind our broken hearts. R
Leader: We depend upon your promises, Giver of Joy; your promise of freedom to all captives. R
Leader: Lord, we wear our baptismal garment; help us to know that our only garment is You. R
Leader: We take comfort in your promises to us and await you with joyful and expectant hearts. R
Light the first, second and third Advent Candles
PRAYER
God of the Good News, the promise of your joy draws us to the manger. As we approach Jesus’ birth, let us kneel and adore him. Let us bow down before the mystery of Emmanual —God with us. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Reference: PrayersForLightingAdventCandles.pdf (stmaryalexandria.org)
December 17, 2023: Week 3-Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday-halfway through the Advent Season). Light the two Purple/Violet and Pink/Rose Candles—Love
Entrance Antiphon (Phil 4:4-5): Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.
Third Sunday of Advent | USCCB
First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Canticle of Mary: O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High, reaching from end to end, mightily and sweetly ordering all things; come and teach us the way of prudence. (Traditional O Antiphon)
Monday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB