Advent Brings Joy

 

     The season of Advent brings Joy. Yesterday was the third Sunday of Advent when the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds Candle," and it represents joy:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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 2:8–11, NIV

     I pray you will find joy as we anticipate and prepare for Christmas. We find it in the eyes of our young children, in the hearts of family and friends, in the memories we savor and the memories to come. Treasure each moment.

     Ponder the ways of God over this time and picture the majesty of our God. He offers new life now and forever and all He asks is that we believe in His Son, Jesus, in his birth, life, death and resurrection from the dead.

     One perfect God was born in a manger. One perfect man took the blame. He suffered the consequences of a fallen world. He took it all on the cross, over many hours of excruciating pain and agony. And He lives today. I pray you will give Christ a chance and open your hearts to Him. The gift is there waiting for you. Is it time to receive it? The answer waits in your longing heart. The fear of death can be vanquished forever and your life can be transformed with peace and joy forevermore. 

     Ponder. Treasure. Marvel. Pray. Find joy. He is real and He is waiting for you.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Jesus,

Thank You for Your saving grace that offers us eternal life. I pray all those who are turning away from You will open their hearts to Your truth. This world is wasting away and falling away from You and we ache with sadness at all that is to come. We pray many will come to salvation.

Amen