The Candle of Joy

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angels said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of GREAT JOY that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord . . . Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests . . . After seeing Mary, Joseph, and the baby, the shepherds spread the word about what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed.”

Can you imagine a surround-sound angel cantata, a backstage visit with the King of Kings, bowing before the Word became flesh, and being so stunned and delighted you can’t stop telling people?

Today, we light the candle of JOY, celebrating the invasion of God’s kingdom at Christ’s birth:

The gospel is good news of great joy! When Jesus steps into the story, a new ending is written:

Sins are forgiven. Relationships are restored.

Minds and bodies are healed. The dead are raised.

New names are given. Evil is banished. Every tear is wiped away.

The kingdom of the world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and Christ.

Our Savior makes all things new.

Advent lifts our eyes beyond the sorrow of the night to the JOY that comes with the morning: “They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

Holy Spirit, anoint us with the oil of joy today!