With Great Expectation // A 4 Part Advent Series
Week 3 // Carrying Joy
Written by Keli Miller
“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed Matthew 2:10
From the womb, to his birth, his life and in his death, Jesus has been carrying joy into the world. But this joy wasn’t met without resistance. Mary, while joyful, likely faced condementation and rumors of immorality. When the news of Jesus’ birth made its way to Herod, his life along with all other baby boys at the time was at risk.
Even in our rejoicing and celebration, the pains of the world are not far away.
Traditionally throughout the Advent season, a candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Three of the candles are purple, but one lone candle is rose. Each represents a different theme, the first week is hope, then peace. But on the third Sunday the rose candle is lit. Traditionally the purple color represents a posture of repentance and preparation, it is also the same color that is used in the traditions of Lent. There is an emphasis on preparing ourselves and refocusing our hearts for the arrival of the awaited king. Even in the preparation there is a reminder of the Lenten season. Light and darkness muddled together.
But what about that single rose candle that’s lit on the third? Well that candle represents joy. The rose color signifies a shift from preparing ourselves to receiving and celebrating the birth of Christ.
He is our joy.
It is fitting to me that the candle of joy has its own color. Joy is sneaky like that, more noticeable when surrounded by longing and waiting. It has been said before that joy is an act of resistance. And isn’t that true? We only know true joy because we have felt it’s absence.
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy”
It is a daring choice to choose joy amidst uncertainty. To let ourselves fully celebrate and not hold back, fearful of what might await on the other side of this high.
But this we know for sure, that Christ has come and redeemed all that was broken, and is still redeeming all things today. And this is reason to celebrate.
So, let your joy be heard. Let it be a defiant sound heard throughout the world. Rejoice, rejoice, Immanuel has come.
God is with us.
Reflection:
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
What is the joy that Jesus is offering you today? Happiness and joy are often confused for the other. Where happiness is fickle and reliant on our circumstance, joy is persistent and defiant. It does not depend on our circumstances. How can you experience God’s joy today?
Prayer:
God, your joy is not temporary nor fickle.
We come out of agreement with fear that tells us that joy is dangerous and can’t be trusted. Even in the midst of uncertainty, loose, and disappointment your joy is long-suffering. It stands with us through all seasons. We remember when Christ came to earth, and celebrate that good news with great joy. You are the Immanuel, the god with us through it all. Amen.