The Candle of Joy
During this second week of Advent, we celebrate as in the passage Philippians 4:4-5 - its verses extolling readers to “rejoice” for “indeed the Lord is near.”
In other words, this week celebrates the Joy of Christ’s coming to earth.
We want to highlight the importance of joy in the Advent season. During a time that depression is at an all-time high and people seem to be in the most despair, this candle offers a bright light during a dark time.
In some traditions it is also known as the Shepherd Candle to highlight the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the Good News about Christ’s birth (Luke 2:8-20). During the middle of the night - the darkest time - the shepherds encountered angels.
What Does the Bible Say about Joy?
Before we dive into the numerous verses that talk about joy, we have to establish an understanding of Biblical joy. It goes far beyond momentary happiness. Like the happiness a child might experience when they unwrap a gift that they’d hoped for on Christmas day.
It is an extreme happiness that cannot be deterred by present circumstances. This type of joy comes from God alone. Joy can often be experienced when a Christian thinks about salvation, eternal life, or Jesus.
It is an eager anticipation about wonderful things to come. The shepherds experienced this as they ran to Bethlehem to see Jesus.
With the definition of joy established, let’s dive into what Scripture says about joy:
God fills us with joy (Romans 15:13). We cannot will ourselves to experience joy. It comes from God alone.
It’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). We experience more joy when we spend time with God. We have to keep in mind that joy only comes from God, but when we spend more time with him, we allow him to fill us with it.
No one can take joy from us (John 16:22). Given to us by God himself, no one has the ability to rob us of our joy. No matter what circumstances we encounter, no one can take this away.
Joy rests in things from God such as salvation and righteousness (Psalm 51:12).
Depending on the translation, joy appears more than 100 times in the Bible.
Why Does This Matter?
This matters because, while we wait for Christ to come again, we don’t have to despair. God has given us a joy that no one can take away. No matter what happens in this dark world, we can experience light.
We experience difficulties differently than the world. We have light even in the darkest moments.
Joy is essential to the Christian experience. We cannot get far without it, and we need it as we, like the shepherds, anticipate the coming of our Savior.
Advent Wreath Prayer Week 2 — Joy
Heavenly Father,
This second week of Advent, let us remember that the Good News of Jesus’ birth has the power to bring us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our life, in our world, or the people who we are with. It doesn’t depend on the gifts we give or the gifts we find under the tree. No earthly thing can ever give us complete joy. Our joy comes from You. That joy that flooded the hearts of the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, the hosts of heaven, and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to overwhelm our hearts with rejoicing.
Those who gathered around the new baby were blessed because they believed that You had fulfilled your promises. Mary and Joseph believed and were able to feel the joy of holding baby Jesus in their arms. The shepherds and wise men believed the angles and the signs and experienced the great gladness of worshipping their Messiah.
Those who knew Him and recognized Him were overjoyed at the coming of Jesus. They saw the prophecies fulfilled and their fear was replaced with happiness as they gazed on the face of the One who would be their Savior. They trusted in Your promises and their hearts were filled with gladness as they watched Your loving-kindness manifested in the face of a tiny baby in a lowly manger.
Father, You offer that same joy to us now if we know You and recognize Jesus as our Savior and Lord. You gave us a reason to celebrate when You gave us the unspeakable gift of Jesus Christ. You came to dwell among us. You went to Calvary’s cross for us. You overcame death and rose from the dead for us. You forgive our sins and give us eternal life when we believe in You.
Our joy doesn’t come from our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with. Our joy is a gift. It is the gift that You gave us that first Christmas in Jesus Christ. Our joy is encompassed in our Savior, King Jesus. Flood our heart with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the Good News of Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen
