Have you ever heard the saying, “the joy is in the journey”? A goal is an achievement. When we reach it, there is excitement but it is fleeting. True joy comes from a much deeper place.
As we round the corner of week three of Advent, Christmas is pressing in on us. Last week, we discovered Peace as we lit the 2nd Advent candle. But, all my peace is gone, as I have gifts still to buy, wrap, and festivities to attend. Where there is no peace, there is absolutely no joy. This is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the third candle of Advent.
The “Shepard’s Candle,” as it is referred to, is the candle of joy. This candle is meant to remind us of the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.
If you have ever birthed a baby, you know this feeling of unspeakable joy. There is an overwhelm as if your heart might burst wide open. This is joy.
True joy comes from a deeper place.
As we prepare to receive the baby Jesus, we too can experience this joy. It only takes a few intentional steps.
- Pause. In any given moment, we can pause, take a deep breath and relish the moment we are in.
- Slow down. There is so much to do. If we are not careful, we will get caught up in all the preparations and totally miss the joy of Christmas. Do you remember the story in Luke 10:38 of Mary and Martha? Martha was busy with all the things that needed to be done, but Mary chose instead to sit and listen at the feet of Jesus. And Jesus tells us Mary has chosen the better way.
- As you pause and slow down, ask yourself, How can I sit at Jesus’ feet? What can I let go? How can I listen more to Jesus? Where do I experience joy?
- Reflect on the questions above. Sit in silence, even if it is only 5 minutes. Set a timer, then journal your answers.
I love that the third candle is referred to as “The Shepard’s Candle.” For it took a crowd of angels announcing Jesus’ birth to some lowly shepherds, to get the world’s attention. Oh, the joy they must have experienced.
In Luke 2, we read;
“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.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Jesus is our Joy!
Jesus is still causing “great joy” today. I am certain every time Jesus is born inside of one of us, great joy is released and the heavenly hosts rejoice!
There is a lot that happens at Christmas. We celebrate our families and our friends, by gathering together, celebrating. As we laugh and cry, we remember those that are no longer with us. It is a moment in time and there is joy in being together. We celebrate the birth of Jesus.
As we sing, “Joy to the world the Lord is come…,” we embrace the reality that God is with us, God is in us. We have much to be joyful about! Not just at Christmas time, but each and every moment of our lives! Jesus is our Joy! Thanks be to God!
Let us pray;
God of eternal Joy, grant in us the ability to receive Jesus fully today. May our joy overflow from our lives into those around us. Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment below and let me know where you experience joy. Forward this message to a friend and ask them to subscribe to my website. Post on Facebook and tag me in it. And until next time, I hope your Christmas is filled with so much joy you cannot help but share Jesus with others! -M
