Advent: The Candle of Joy

Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tiding of great joy,

Which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

Who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

Tomorrow is the third Sunday of Advent – a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming

We light the third candle of Advent – the candle of JOY.

JOY in J oyfulness

That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience with joyfulness.  Colossians 1:10-11

JOY in O bscurity

And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.  The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

JOY in Y oking

Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest unto your souls.  For My joke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

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Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King.

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

United Methodist Hymnal, No. 246