This Sunday, we will light the third Advent candle which represents Joy. Christmas is a season filled with reminders of joy, but it’s important to remember that the joy we celebrate during Advent is not the fleeting happiness that comes from gifts, gatherings, or even warm traditions. The joy of Christmas is deeper—it’s rooted in the truth of who Jesus is and what His coming means for the world.
In Luke 2:10-11, the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, “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.” This joy is not limited to a single moment in time, nor is it reserved for only a select group of people. It is for ALL people, in every corner of the world, in every season of life.
Joy is different from happiness. Happiness depends on circumstances—a holiday bonus, the right gift, or a gathering filled with laughter. Joy, on the other hand, is a fruit of the Spirit that comes from knowing we belong to Christ and that God is faithful to His promises. Even in hard times, joy is available to us because it is grounded in the unshakable truth of God’s love and salvation.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, expressed this deep joy when she said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Her joy wasn’t based on ease or comfort; she faced uncertainty, hardship, and sacrifice. Yet she rejoiced because she trusted in God’s plan and promises.
For those struggling during the Christmas season—whether from grief, loneliness, or difficult circumstances—this joy may feel distant. But the message of Christmas is that joy is not something we have to manufacture; it is a gift from God. As Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” It is His joy in us that strengthens us to endure and even rejoice in the midst of trials.
This Sunday, as we light the Advent candle representing joy, let us remember that Jesus’ birth is not just a story of long ago. It’s the good news that God stepped into our world to save us, to redeem us, and to offer us unending joy. And let us reflect on the words of the angel: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
This joy is for us, for our neighbors, and for the whole world. May the light of His joy fill our hearts and overflow into our lives as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
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