Third Sunday of Advent: Joy Has Come

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
— Luke 2:10

On the third Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of joy. In the midst of waiting, reflection, and sometimes weariness, Christmas reminds us that Christian joy is not something we must manufacture—it is something we receive.

Joy enters the world not through comfort or ease, but through the arrival of Christ.

Joy Rooted in God’s Promise

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”
— Isaiah 9:2

Keep in mind, this joy was not dependent on circumstances changing overnight. It was rooted in the certainty that God was, and is,  faithful to His promises.

Joy Announced in the Birth of Christ

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
— Luke 2:11

Jesus did not come to eliminate all hardship immediately; He came to redeem us in the midst of it.

Joy That Transforms the Heart

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
— Philippians 4:4

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
— Nehemiah 8:10

Living in the Joy of Advent

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
— John 15:11

Come, Lord Jesus. Our joy is found in You.

Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the joy that entered the world through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
In seasons of waiting, remind us that our joy is not rooted in circumstances, but in Your presence and Your promises.

Fill our hearts with the joy of salvation, steady our spirits with hope,
and help us to reflect the light of Christ to those around us.
As we prepare to celebrate His coming, may our lives testify to the good news of great joy for all people.

We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and our Joy.
Amen.