This Sunday marks the third Sunday in Advent, and in worship we will light the “joy” candle in the advent wreath, which symbolizes joy at the soon-coming of Jesus. The joy candle is often pink and is also referred to as the Mary Candle or Shepherds’ Candle.
This week we see a shift from the more somber prior weeks of Advent, to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation and expectancy. The angels’ message to the shepherds was one of “good tidings of great joy.” It serves as a reminder that the Christmas message is one of rejoicing.
What do you know about joy? For most of us, “rejoicing” is not a word we use frequently in our vocabulary, let alone an action we embrace as a daily discipline. All too often, joy is confused with its cousin, happiness. And although related, they are not the same. In short, happiness tends to be linked to external circumstances, while joy springs deep from within, and isn’t fazed by external conditions.
This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in “the pursuit of happiness”, whether it’s hoping for that one item that tops your wish list, or trying to create a Christmas that looks like the covers of the magazines or sale ads that stream into your home. And yes, while we all seek to be happy, it’s important to remember that Christmas isn’t about happiness. In fact, there are many people who may find it difficult to be happy at this time of year. They may be celebrating Christmas without a dear loved one who has passed, or perhaps a member of the family is far away, or even estranged, and there is great sadness in this absence. Others may be living with financial stress, or emotional stress—burdens which may go unseen to others, but not unknown to God.
If you are in need of a little hope, peace and joy this Christmas season, there will be a place of prayerful retreat at SWU on December 21st, winter solstice at 2:00 pm. Come, let your hearts be open to the Spirit as you light a candle for the one you may be missing this year.
From Voices United, page 26, the following prayer for Advent:
Who are we, O God, that you should come to us?
You have visited your people and redeemed us in your son.
As we prepare to celebrate his birth,
make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your word,
and move us by your spirit to bless your wonderful works.
We ask this through him whose coming is certain,
whose day draws near, even you Son Jesus Christ. Amen
May Joy find you, even in the darkest of places.
Pastor Beryl, DLM