Several years ago, Carol Grolman led some Advent reflections and prayers at a local business. This is her meditation for Advent 3 on the joy of the shepherds in the Christmas story. EnJOY!

Last week we lit the candle of Peace. The week before, the candle of Hope. Today we light the candle of Joy!

So…imagine this. You are out somewhere in the dark of night. Perhaps you are camping, enjoying the night sky. You are with a few life-minded friends, no one really special. I mean, you aren’t the Prince of Wales, or the President of the United States, or the Pope.

And suddenly, there is a bright light in the sky! It’s not lightening. It’s not a comet. And then you hear the heavenly sound. Is it music? Is it singing? Is it the humming of the aurora borealis? Really, it’s like nothing you can even describe!

You and your friends begin to shake in fear. Cover your heads! Look shelter!

And then the message…Don’t be afraid! We are bringing you some great news! Tonight, the prayers of your people are answered! Tonight, Emmanuel, God with us, is born!

You talk with your friends. Could this be real? Where can we go to see this child? This Saviour, Emmanuel? What? He’s lying in a manger. In a stable? Truly?

For yes…the glorious news of Christ’s birth comes to the ordinary people. Born of ordinary people. A saviour for ordinary people. Christ is born! Spread the joy!