The Candle of Joy

With permission, I am using the abbreviated message of Joy from our 3rd Sunday of Advent morning service by Jody Honeycutt. Original text in it’s entirety can be read here: https://www.klangwesley.com/advent-reflection-joy-3rd-sunday-in-advent

This was an excerpt from the original text. It was not read aloud and that in and of itself made it more remarkable. The candle of Joy is also known as The Shepherd’s Candle. “Rejoice for the Lord is near." We are in the season to celebrate Jesus coming to earth.

It highlights the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the news of Christ’s birth. During the darkest part of the night, the shepherd’s encountered the angel of the Lord followed by a multitude of Heavenly hosts praising God.

Joy appears more than 100 times in the Bible. These matter, because while we wait for Christ to come again, we don’t have to despair. God has given us Joy that no one can take away. We experience difficulties differently than the world. We have light even in the darkest moments.

God fills us with joy. It comes from Him alone. It’s a fruit of the spirit and we experience more joy when we spend time with God.

Joy rests in things from God such as salvation and righteousness. Psalm 51:12

Joy is essential to the Christian experience. We can’t get far without, and we need it as we, like shepherds, anticipate the coming of our Savior.”

Reflect this week on the things that give you real joy, like the smile of a child, the laughter of a friend, an unexpected gift or visit, the pleasure of giving to someone else, the beauty and harmony of an old Christmas carol. Find joy as you anticipate the coming of our Lord.