And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Luke 2:10
Reflection
Advent continues with joy. After hope has been kindled and peace proclaimed, we turn to the promise that Christ’s coming fills our hearts with rejoicing. Joy is not just happiness or a few moments of delight. It is the deep gladness that comes from knowing God’s salvation has come near.
The shepherds were ordinary men who were keeping watch over their sheep in the stillness of the night. Into that darkness and stillness burst an angel of the Lord with the glory of the Lord shining all about them. As you can imagine, the shepherds were frightened. The angel told them not to be afraid and then gave them the good news of great for all people, that the Savior, Christ the Lord was born. This joy did not spring from their circumstances. Instead, it came from the presence of Christ Himself, who was born in Bethlehem.
The Greek word for joy in this passage is chara, meaning delight, gladness and rejoicing that flows out of grace (charis). This is not fragile or shallow joy. It is the steady flame that reminds us Christ has come to bring salvation, and His presence fills us with lasting gladness.
Joy is the flame of Advent because it teaches us to celebrate God’s faithfulness even in the midst of uncertainty. It anchors us in His promises, and reminds us that the account ends in rejoicing.
Joy to the World
Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics to Joy to the World. They help us express Advent joy.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.
This hymn is not simply a Christmas carol; it is a declaration of triumph. The lyrics remind us that Christ’s coming is not quiet resignation, but exuberant rejoicing. The melody lifts our hearts, echoing the angel’s announcement of good news for all people.
When we sing this hymn during Advent, our waiting becomes worship. Our longing becomes praise. Joy is not postponed until Christ’s return. It begins now, because the Lord has come!
The third flame of Advent is the flame of joy. Its glow is bright and lively, and dances with gladness. It reminds us that Christ’s coming is not only peace for troubled hearts but also celebration for redeemed lives. Lighting this candle is a testimony that salvation has come and joy is ours to share.
Carrying the Flame
As you continue this walk through the Advent season, take time to reflect upon the joy you long to experience. Where do you need Christ’s joy to break into your life? Maybe it is a place of sorrow where you need His gladness. Maybe it is in a season of weariness, where you need His strength. Maybe it is in the ordinary rhythms of life, where you need His delight.
Let each devotion draw you closer to Him and turn your waiting into rejoicing. Joy is deep confidence in God’s salvation. It is active worship that celebrates His presence and leans forward in expectation that He will bring everlasting joy.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of joy. In a world filled with sorrow and weariness, Your flame has dawned. Teach us to rejoice in Your salvation and to spread delight to those around us. Fan the flame of joy so that it burns brightly in our hearts, guiding us through this season of waiting and into the fullness of Christ’s second coming. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read the Introduction: From Bethlehem to Glory: An Advent Series
Read: The First Flame: Hope in Darkness
Read: The Second Flame: Peace in the Turmoil
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