ADVENT WEEK 3: JOY

Today, the third Sunday of Advent, a candle symbolizing joy is lit. Finding joy can be so hard, but the reason is that we are often looking in the wrong place. The world tries to offer us temporary joy and happiness, but we will never be fully satisfied. Only joy found in the presence of Christ is eternal. Psalm 16:11 says, "You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is an abundant joy. At your right hand are eternal pleasures." As the famous Christmas carol says, "Joy to the world, the Lord has come." Jesus came into this world, died on the cross, and rose from the grave so we can have lasting joy. Hebrews 12:2 says that it was for the joy set before Him that Jesus willingly endured the cross to redeem us. O weary soul, Christ offers you eternal joy with Him in heaven. All you must do is repent of your sin and trust alone in Jesus to save you. At that moment, you will become a child of God and experience true joy. Dearly beloved, no matter what is going on, let your joy be in Jesus Christ alone. As Philippians reminds us, the Christian's joy is not to be rooted in circumstances but in Christ. This Christmas, remember the joy we experience because Christ has come, and the joy we will experience in His presence when He comes again. Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!