Today, during Advent Season, we light the candle of Joy. Let us rejoice in the coming of Christ our King. The good news was proclaimed by the angels over two thousand years ago to the shepherds on a starry night outside of Bethlehem.
This is the third Sunday of Advent. If you missed last week, go back and read all about the candle of Peace. Next week, we will be studying and lighting the candle of Love.
Candle Lighting of Joy
Today, we are lighting the candles of Hope, Peace and Joy. Let us reflect on how we started from the beginning in the Old Testament and new that one day a Savior would be coming to this earth.
Let us pray as we light the three candles:
Father God, thank you so much for this day. We light these candles this week as a reminder that you sent your son to this world. HE walked this earth to bring us hope, peace and joy. Be with us as we read the scriptures this week. Open our eyes and hearts as we joyfully worship Jesus in his arrival. Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Messiah. We glorify and praise you God just as the shepherds did for all that they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20).
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
I encourage you to listen to the word for this week. Read the scriptures before and after so you can receive good context. A good and trusted website I love using is Precept Austin. Just google it online. I also enjoy Bible Hub. It goes deeper into all the books of the Bible along with the scriptures. It’s what changed my walk with the Lord. I wasn’t understanding the Bible and didn’t even know where to read each week. I now have a good study plan that I love and can understand scripture. Reading the Bible daily is something I enjoy now.
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Scriptures for this Week
As We Wait the Arrival of Christ
In the Old Testament and, the prophets proclaimed God’s promise to heal the land of Israel and he knew the people were in need of salvation.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6
We see this in the following scriptures as well. Read them as you study this week:
Psalm 130:7-8
Micah 5:2-4
Hosea 3:4-5
What Brings Us Joy During Christmas?
The world says that Christmas trees, ornaments and all the lights bring us joy. We may also find joy in the decorations and the exchanging of gifts.
As Christians, we know this should not be our main focus. We know that what we truly celebrate at Christmas is the truth. The truth of how God sent his son to this earth to heal and help us, not forsake us. It’s in the book of Luke where he begins to unfold how God fulfilled HIS promises that he made to Mary through the angel, Gabriel. Read Luke 2:1:20 as we learn of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
How Does Jesus Bring Us Joy All Year Long?
His Birth and Coming into the World
The angels announced Jesus’ birth as “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). His arrival fulfills God’s promises, offering hope, rescue from sin, healing, and reconciliation with God—reasons for celebration that echo through Scripture.
Forgiveness of Sins and Salvation
Jesus brings joy through the forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation. Believers experience “inexpressible and glorious joy” because they are “receiving the end result of [their] faith, the salvation of [their] souls” (1 Peter 1:8–9). The removal of guilt and the gift of eternal life replace despair with deep gladness.
Abiding in Him and Obedience
Jesus taught that remaining connected to Him—like branches to a vine—produces lasting joy. In John 15:11, He says: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This comes from abiding in His love, keeping His commands (especially loving others), and bearing spiritual fruit. Obedience aligns us with God’s will, filling us with Christ’s own joy—even amid trials.
The Holy Spirit’s Fruit
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), given to those in Christ. It flows from hope in God’s grace, peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7), and the assurance of God’s presence. As Romans 15:13 prays: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Eternal Perspective and Resurrection
Jesus Himself endured the cross “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2)—the joy of redeeming humanity and glorifying God. Believers share in this by looking forward to resurrection, heaven, and full restoration. This future hope sustains joy now, making it a “stronghold” or strength in hardship (Nehemiah 8:10, often applied to joy in the Lord).
Be A Messenger of Joy
As Christians, we are called to be messengers of joy because the joy we have in Christ is not meant to stay hidden—it’s a gift to be shared with a world often marked by despair, anxiety, and emptiness. Here’s how we can live as bearers of this joy:
1. Live Out the Joy of the Lord Visibly
- Let your life reflect genuine, deep joy that comes from knowing Christ, even in difficult circumstances. People notice when joy isn’t dependent on external conditions.
- Paul’s example: He wrote Philippians—one of the most joy-filled books in the Bible—while in prison. When others see us rejoicing in trials, it points them to Jesus (Philippians 1:12–18).
- Smile, speak with hope, and maintain peace in stressful situations. Let your countenance and attitude preach before your words do.
2. Proclaim the Source of True Joy: The Gospel
- The greatest message of joy is the good news of Jesus—His birth, death, resurrection, and offer of salvation.
- Share the gospel naturally and boldly: “I have joy because my sins are forgiven,” or “Jesus gives me hope that nothing in this world can take away.”
- Use Scripture like Isaiah 61:10: “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God,” or Psalm 16:11: “In your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
During Advent Season, make a simmer pot that brings joy and the smell of Christmas into your kitchen.
3. Serve and Love Others with Joy
- Joy spreads when we serve others cheerfully. Acts of kindness, generosity, encouragement, and hospitality become channels of God’s joy.
- Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)—and giving with joy multiplies it.
- Practical step: Help someone in need, listen attentively, send an encouraging message, or invite someone into your home with warmth and gladness.
4. Speak Words of Encouragement and Hope
- Be intentional with your words. Speak life, affirmation, gratitude, and truth.
- Avoid gossip, complaining, or negativity—these dim joy. Instead, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).
- Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness: “Let me tell you how God brought joy into my life when I was struggling…”
5. Worship and Rejoice Openly
- Worship with freedom—sing, pray, and praise God in ways that reflect authentic joy.
- Bring friends to church or your home, share worship music, or simply express gratitude to God in everyday conversations.
- Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” When others see this strength, they’re drawn to its Source.
6. Be Present in Suffering with Compassionate Joy
- We can bring joy to those who are hurting by sitting with them in their pain while gently pointing to the hope we have in Christ.
- We can offer the deeper joy of Emmanuel—God with us—even in the valley.
Bible Verse Mapping
My walk with God changed when I started verse mapping in the Bible. I used to just pick my Bible up on Sunday’s and then again the following Sunday. Now, I really enjoy my Bible and look forward to spending time with God on a daily basis.
Resources
She Reads Truth – Advent Study Guide
The Daily Grace Co. – Advent Study Guide
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html
Advent Season Readings
This post is part of a four-week Bible Study on the Advent Christmas Season. Join me as we dive into all the scriptures leading up to the birth of Jesus.
God sent his son to truly light the way for us. Let us go forward and spread the good news and be a Joyful Messenger. I hope as you read each scripture this week, it allows you to get into a deeper relationship with God.
Next week, we will light the candle of Love along with the candles of Hope, Peace and Joy. A very popular Bible verse says it all – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. ~ John 3:16
Wendy Lea Walker, NTP
Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
I’m Wendy. A wife, empty-nester mama, homemaker, homebaker, gardener and small-time farmer. I love sharing wisdom and mistakes I’ve learned along the way. Anyone can garden or homestead, no matter where you live. It’s a mindset. You just have to start somewhere. I believe food is medicine. Feed the body real whole foods and healing will begin. I’ve learned to slow down over the years from all the noise that came with life and enjoy creating a simple home.
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