A Joyous Time In Advent

Celebrating The Third Week Of Advent

This week is the third week of Advent. In a traditional advent wreath, the third candle is pink and is referred to as the “joy” candle. I was taught that this candle is a lighter color than the others (which are purple) to offer encouragement that Christmas is coming, even though it may seem like it is taking forever to get here.

Now that I’m an adult, I worry more about Christmas coming too soon than taking too long to arrive. Between trying to wrap-up year-end projects at work, attending work holiday functions and friends’ holiday parties, and squeezing in decorating, baking, and shopping, there is no time to be impatient.

Just as I am about to succumb to the stress of the season, this Sunday reminds me to focus on the true joy behind all the hype. While Christmas is still more than a week away, it is a good time to remember the Christmas story as told in Luke, chapter 2, verses 8-14.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

(If you are like me, you can’t read these words without hearing Linus’s voice!)

I know it sounds trite, but if you find yourself tripping over tinsel or short-circuiting like old Christmas tree lights, take a moment to reflect on the message the angel had for the shepherds, the tidings of great joy for all the peoples, the birth of Christ our Savior.

And take comfort in remembering that Jesus was born in a manger, without clean sheets or polished floors.

Prayer for the Third Week of Advent
Bless, O God, the road that is before us.
Bless, O God, the friends who are around us.
Bless, O God, your love which is within us.
Bless, O God, your light which leads us home.
Amen.

What brought you joy this week?