Dearest Readers,
Welcome to the third week of Advent—when the Joy of the season is starting to come alive! 🌟 Yesterday, we lit the Candle of Joy, also called the Shepherd’s Candle. It’s traditionally pink to symbolize the joy the shepherds felt when the angels announced the arrival of the Messiah – the Anointed One.
To fully appreciate the joy of Jesus, consider what life would be like without Him. At the time of His birth, there was a deep need and longing for the Messiah that had been promised for centuries. Many were living under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire, and there wasn’t much hope for things to get better. Poverty was widespread, and there was a significant gap between the wealthy and the poor. The wealthy lived comfortable, privileged lives, while the poor suffered daily due to their lower social status.
Today, we know God loves us unconditionally, but the message from religious leaders back then was very different. It was a common belief that God’s love wasn’t freely given but needed to be earned through “works.” Religious leaders imposed rules and rituals that were difficult to achieve, leaving many feeling unworthy and separated from God.
Now imagine the relief and joy the shepherds felt when, on an ordinary night of watching over their sheep, God sent them an angel to tell them their wait was over. The Messiah was born as a Savior for everyone—rich, poor, Jews, and Gentiles; the Gentiles who, until then, did not know God’s love at all.
“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” (Luke 2:10-11).
Jesus was the beginning of a new covenant between God and mankind, a covenant to break the barriers and bring us back to Him. Jesus was a gift; a way for us to never be separated from God again. He taught us love and compassion, mercy and justice, and then gave His life for us so we could all be together one day in Heaven.
These are the reasons we celebrate joy!
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead. Remember every day that God loves you!
Verses for the Week
Luke 2:8-14
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; And the government shall be upon His shoulder, And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from that time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
