Want Joy?

The third candle is said to represent joy and the proclamations regarding the coming Savior. Joy is hard to achieve these days, particularly with all the bad economic news. It’s much easier to find things to bring us down than to lift us up.

Yet 2,000 years ago, a young girl, pregnant and unmarried, found joy in a situation that, in those days, was about as bad as it could be. The very first line in her song of praise Mary sings:

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! – Luke 1:46-47

Mary rejoiced because to her, as it should be to us, Joy is hope fulfilled.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This week, celebrate with joy that your hope in Christ is certain; prophecies about him are always fulfilled. “And we have heard the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

^{Luke 2:10} 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.