Good News Of Great Joy

Today we begin the third week of Advent and the candle we light today is the pink one – the candle for joy.  We spoke about welcoming joy a couple of days ago but there’s so much more to experience that it’s worth a mention again today.

In the Christmas story, as Mary responded to the message of the angel and the amazing purpose of God to have her give birth to Jesus, she was filled with joy.

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed.

Luke 1:46-48

If we skip ahead to the shepherds who were the first to receive the announcement that Jesus had been born we also encounter great joy:

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 2:10

The coming of Jesus always brings joy.  To come to Jesus and welcome Jesus into our lives is a guarantee of joy.  It doesn’t mean we’ll never have difficulties and sorrow again, but it does mean that there will be a reservoir of joy available to us always.

Loving God, Help us to learn from Mary, from the angels, from the shepherds, to remember the blessing, remember Your presence and power, remember that we are your chosen people for whom you care.

And on an even wider scale we remember Your great purposes to bring about a new heaven and a new earth where we will live with You forever in joy beyond our imagination. 

Any trials we are experiencing these days are truly temporary and they are not stronger than the joy You are providing for us today. 

We pray that you would lead us away from anger and anxiety, from  restlessness and distractedness.  We pray for faith, hope, and peace.  

Flood our hearts with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the good news of Jesus’ birth. Amen

Well, “Good news of great joy” is what Christmas is all about.  Let’s live in that today, shall we?