“Do not be afraid: for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
—Luke 2:10
Jesus’ birth came at a time when things were far from joyful. Caesar Augustus issued a decree requiring the entire Roman world to return to their hometown and register for a census. A very pregnant Mary and Joseph traveled 70-miles to Bethlehem. She had already endured months of wrongful accusations, shunning and scandal. She appeared to have sinned in a way that pushed her to the margins of society and likely had some calling for her stoning. Finally, upon reaching her destination, no one would take her in. Mary needed rest. And Jesus was coming—a Joy to the world. Joy birthed out of labor’s groaning.
Throughout scripture, Joy often appears when circumstances anything but joyful. Even if we in the midst of hardship, sorrow, or want, we can hold fast to an enduring hope. Our Savior was born and returning for his people! Not only that, but God has poured his love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We are never without God’s love. Rejoice!
The traditional name for the third Advent Sunday is ‘Gaudete.’ It’s the Latin word for “Rejoice!” We are only days away from celebrating Jesus’ birth. We should be pacing the halls, so-to-speak, in anticipation of his arrival.
Advent Wreath
In week three’s Advent wreath tradition, light the third candle, symbolizing joy. We prepare by preparing a place in our hearts for his arrival.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
Join us for our Advent series:
Intro: What is Advent: Waiting for a Savior.
Week 1: Anticipating Our Great Hope, Our Coming King
Week 2: Meeting Our Prince of Peace
Week 3: Remembering Our Joy is not Fleeting
Week 4: Learning to Love Vulnerably