JOY. Week 3 of Advent is Joy. This word has been following me around for the back end of 2020 and it’s been speaking to me more and more every single day. The word is plastered all over my room on the walls and decor. I honestly feel like the Lord is trying to remind me of all the Joy in my life and the Joy of rejoicing Jesus. That feeling of joy from God alone. Thinking about salvation, eternal life, the coming of Jesus. That overwhelming sense of Joy that is indescribable. That’s the Joy He is talking about.

It’s the only pink candle lit in the Advent candles. I like that it is represented because it is of utmost importance. He is a God of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. All positive. No negativity. That’s what I’m going to continue to concentrate on in my life, because when we focus on the faithfulness of God, we are bringing him great Joy.

I honestly never thought I’d make my 2021 the year of “Joy.” This is a new person who I’ve not become as familiar with, yet. She is great.

Heavenly Father,

This third week of Advent, let us remember that the good news of Jesus’ birth has the power to bring us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our life, in our world, or the people that we are with. It doesn’t depend on the gifts we give or the gifts we find under the tree. No earthly thing can ever give us complete joy. Our joy comes from you. That joy that flooded the hearts of the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, the hosts of heaven, and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to overwhelm our hearts with rejoicing. 

Those who gathered around the new baby were blessed because they believed that you had fulfilled your promises. Mary and Joseph believed and were able to feel the joy of holding baby Jesus in their arms. The shepherds and wise men believed the angles and the signs and experienced the great gladness of worshipping their Messiah.

Those who knew him and recognized him were overjoyed at the coming of Jesus. They saw the prophecies fulfilled and their fear was replaced with happiness as they gazed on the face of the one who would be their Savior. They trusted in your promises and their hearts were filled with gladness as they watched your loving-kindness manifested in the face of a tiny baby in a lowly manger. 

Father, you offer that same joy to us now if we know you and recognize Jesus as our Savior and Lord. You gave us a reason to celebrate when you gave us the unspeakable gift of Jesus Christ. You came to dwell among us. You went to Calvary’s cross for us. You overcame death and rose from the dead for us. You forgive our sins and give us eternal life when we believe in you. 

Our joy doesn’t come from our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with. Our joy is a gift. It is the gift that you gave us that first Christmas in Jesus Christ. Our joy is encompassed in our Savior, King Jesus. Flood our heart with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the good news of Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13 NIV