Advent Week 3 - Joy
As we embark upon our third week of advent, we discover the lighting of the pink or rose-colored candle. This is a representation for JOY and the SHEPHERDS to whom the angels appear on the night of our Lord’s birth. We have experienced Hope and Prophecy with our first week, and Faith and Bethlehem in the second. Because of the world being under the curse (Is 24:4-6) and humanity being imperfect (Rom 3:23), we are in need of a Savior but not simply a human person can attain this (Is 26:17-19). Christ will come as a Divine person born of woman proclaiming the message of “Good News!”
As Hope has developed into Faith (confident assurance of Hope), humanity can now experience Joy through the grace of God. “Confidently (Faith) approach the throne of Grace that you may receive in your time of need; mercy, favor, and help.” (Heb 4:16) We have matured from Wishful thinking, Hope, and Belief, into now Knowing (the 4th stage of Faith). as Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem and prepared for the birth of Christ, God sends his angel to announce to these special and particular shepherds the birth of the “Messiah” (Hebrew) or “Christ” (Greek).
These were no ordinary shepherds for they watched over these sheep which were being prepared for the sacrifice in the Temple and in particular Feast Days (Passover). The sacrificial lamb had to be free of blemish and was wrapped in swaddling cloth for transport to Jerusalem. It could not afford to afflict itself trying to free itself.
In Jewish tradition, a gathering of individuals awaited the news of whether it be a boy or girl. If a boy, there was rejoicing for he could be the “promised Messiah.” But if a girl, they went away silently for the Messiah was to be a man. God provided his own gathering with the angels announcing the birth of a child, a boy, the Promised Messiah unto shepherds awaiting the fulfillment of Prophecy of the “Lamb of God.”
“The joy of the Lord is our strength.” (Neh 8:10) We rejoice in God’s promises for “God is not man that He should lie nor human that He should change His mind.” (No 23:19) Jesus came to redeem man and reconcile us to God. There is purpose to our existence as we journey by preparing ourselves for the life of Promise which is beyond this mortal life. We have eyes of faith that sees in a new-born babe, a Divine person in humanity that will avail us this opportunity through His love and sacrifice.
The expression of “seeing the world through rose tinted glasses” illustrates optimism in seeing the best in spite of imperfection. We experience joy through faith by God’s grace. In Heaven, there is no grief nor sorrow…only joy in the presence of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.