The Joy Of Advent

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.

- Luke 2:8-10

The third theme of Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”), covering the week of December 11 through 17, is JOY.

In the Advent wreath, it is unique in that it is the only pink, as pink (or rose) is the liturgical color for joy. It is the Shepherd’s candle, as the Angels announced the arrival of Jesus to the Shepherds, bringing them great joy. In addition, the first day of this third week is known as Gaudete Sunday, which literally means “rejoice!” Typically, fasting ceases for this one day as the joy of Jesus’ pending arrival is celebrated.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come

Let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

Joy to the world! The Savior reigns

Let men their songs employ

While fields and floods

Rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

- Lyrics by George Frideric Handel and Isaac Watts, 1719

We sing some of the Christmas Carols so often we don’t really stop any longer to truly think about their meaning. Joy to the World is one example of that.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Have we lost the excitement of that truth in our lives? Think back to when you first put your faith and trust in Jesus, and the pure joy of what you experienced as you realized what He had done for you. How does that compare with what you experience today? Do you still get as excited today when you think about Jesus coming from Heaven to earth for you?

Let earth receive her King!

Jesus is not just a baby born in a manger. He is the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning, and the end. He is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. He is the Messiah, the Sent One from God to take away our sins.  Does that not fill you with joy?

Let every heart prepare Him room!

Is your heart ready for Him this Christmas? Have you got so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday, that there is little room for Him? Stop! Empty yourself before Him and prepare to experience the true Joy of Jesus this Christmas.

Joy to the World, the Savior Reigns!

Jesus rules and reigns over all Creation. This Christmas, let us humbly bow before Him.

Let men their songs employ!

May our hearts and our mouths be filled with song this Christmas, that every word we speak, every thought we think, every attitude we have, reflects the joy of Jesus in our lives.

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy!

In Luke 19:40, when the Pharisees were imploring Jesus to hush His followers as they proclaimed Him King, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees by saying,

“I tell you, if they (His followers) were silent, the very stones would cry out!”

- Luke 19:40

Isaiah writes in Isaiah 55:12,

“For you shall go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

- Isaiah 55:12

All of Creation proclaims Jesus as King and Lord. Let’s not let them have all the fun this Christmas. Let’s not be left out! May we proclaim the joy of the coming King!

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”  

- Psalm 150:6

Pastor Ken

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