JOY!

The third candle, usually for the Third Sunday of Advent, is traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ.  It marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent that focus on Preparation and Hope, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy.

As believers we have the joy of Jesus in us. Joy is a recurring theme and response to Jesus and what he has done for us. Look at the joy in these verses from the Bible. Take a moment to ready through them.

Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” declares the LORD.
Zechariah 2:9-11

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:9-11

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
Luke 1:13-15

For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
Luke 1:43-45

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:9-11

Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.
Luke 6:22-24

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
Luke 10:20-22

In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Luke 15:9-11

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 15:10-12

“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
John 17:12-14

And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:51-52

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:11-13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:12-14

…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3

and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
1 Peter 1:7-9

Remember this Christmas season when you see a star, fake or real, pause to rejoice.
When you see a babe think of our Savior and rejoice.
When you see gifts beautifully wrapped think of the very best gift of all we have been given from God through Jesus and rejoice.

REJOICE with the angels
REJOICE with the shepherds
REJOICE with Mary and Joseph
REJOICE and again I say REJOICE!