The pink candle is lit during the third week of advent. Pink is a reminder of joy and that the waiting is half over. This candle is called the Shepherd Candle. Decorate the candle with a candy cane as a symbol of a shepherd's staff.
The Meaning of Advent
Read verses about the shepherds part in the birth of Jesus, in Luke 2:8-20. Discuss how the first people to see Jesus tended sheep and worked hard. Read how Isaiah prophesied, in Isaiah 40:10-11, about Jesus coming as a shepherd and how Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd in Mark 6:34 and John 10:1-17, 27-29. Talk about how Jesus is like a shepherd.
Kids' Advent Activities
The pink represents joy, so rejoice with Christmas carols. Play and sing together in the car and at home. Invite friends to go caroling. Sing about shepherds in "Silent Night." Pass out candy canes as reminders of the shepherds and Jesus the Good Shepherd. Play a hide and seek game of a shepherd finding his sheep. Little lost lambs can bleat if not found quickly.
Look at a candy cane. The colors of red and white reflect the purity and love of Jesus, as well as the blood Jesus shed when he died for us on the cross. Turn it upside down to see it forms a J for Jesus and joy.
Talk about joy and the acronym j-o-y for Jesus-others-self. If we put Jesus first and think of others before ourselves it is much easier to have joy. Joy is not the same as feeling happy. Joy is an inner gladness of heart that comes from trusting God.
The J can also represent a journey as the activities help families journey together to Christmas. Remember the journey Mary and Joseph took by taking turns moving the nativity figures toward the stable. Place them far away and each day take turns moving them closer. See who finds them first in each new location.
Look at the three lit candles and notice how much more it glows. Some people think the pink is also because it reminds us that God's light dispels the darkness as seen in so much more light than the first week. Play flashlight tag to notice how light helps us see. The days grow shorter and darkness comes earlier each evening. December 21st is the shortest day of the year and then as Christmas nears the days will start to grow longer, with the sun staying up a little later each day.
Make rolls, cookies, and cake in the shape of a candy cane this week. Stand in a curved line to form a J and let each person give a reason for rejoicing at Christmas. Hang candy cane decorations around the house as a reminder to keep rejoicing.
Let joy permeate the home this week and enjoy the parties and celebrations that surround Christmas.
Karen Whiting - Professional freelance writer with ten published books and hundreds of published articles. My books are for women (time management and ...
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