2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift.”
The fifth candle of Advent is the “Christ Candle” symbolizing Christ Himself. Even before the first light of that Christmas day, God had a plan for His Son—for Him to give up His life so we might be reconciled to God the Father.
Father, may we grasp how great Your love is for us and live each day with a heart of gratitude for the gift of Your Son. May our song this Christmas morning be full of adoration to the Lord of love. How great Your love is towards us, O God, and will be in greater when Your Son returns! In the name of Christ, who has come and will reign forever. In His mighty, loving name we pray. Amen.
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You” ~ Henry Van Dyke
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav’n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!
Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God’s own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
