Advent Devotional: Third Sunday {Joy}
His Presence, My JOY
Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice! ~Philippians 4:4
There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens. ~Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV
When God tells us to rejoice, He does not mean for us to have joy about the situation we are facing, but rather to remember that we have JOY because of the Savior who was born to die, rise again, and live as our everyday HOPE!
Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us. ~Matthew 1:23, KJV
Third Sunday – JOY!
This third Sunday of Advent, we light a candle for JOY.
The baby Jesus was born to die so that we may live. Jesus conquered death by rising again to be with the Father and in Him we will overcome as well! In Christ, we will live forever with those whom we love because He came for us.
When Jesus physically left this world, He gave us the gift of His Presence in the Holy Spirit. God with us means JOY has come into the world right into our hurting hearts. We rejoice in knowing He came for us, He is with us! And He will come again!
We have JOY in Christ because we have victory in Him over all circumstances. In the good and the not-so-good, God is with us! He overcame, and in Him, so will we, one day!
A Season of Rejoicing
This is a season of rejoicing!
May the eyes of our hearts be opened to see the “big picture” and experience the joy which comes from having a fresh perspective! God with us ~ Emmanuel!
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
~Thomas Helmore (1851)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. ~Psalm 19:1, ESV
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room.
And heaven and nature sing!
And heaven and nature sing!
And heaven and nature sing!
-Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Naches
And when the indescribable JOY enters your heart, it is called naches.
May your hearts be filled with an abundance of peace and everlasting JOY.
Now is the time to rejoice! Rejoice, the King has come and He lives in us!
Happy Sunday!
This devotional is adapted from Faith Roots: An Advent Family Devotional available for purchase on Amazon.
Basking in His Light
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