INTRODUCTION
In previous articles I have explained that I believe the conception of Christ took place around the time of December 25th (the conception; not the birth, of Christ); the date when most of the world celebrates Christmas.
I have chosen to celebrate Christmas in light of Emmanuel; Christ with us, with the use of an advent wreath and the lighting of candles.
In honor of this holy place in time, I have found this practice to be a helpful teaching tool and a wonderful worship experience for celebrating the coming of Christ into the world as The Light of the World. I traditionally celebrate Christmas and The Season of Advent in light of this truth.
For me this is a time of simple worship at home with my family members by meditating and pondering the truths of God while lighting the candles of the Advent wreath during the four Sabbaths leading up to December 25th.
If you wish to review my thoughts on this practice; you may find them here: HOW GOD MAKES ALL THINGS NEW – PIECES OF THE PUZZLE – IN RELATION TO THE DATE OF CHRISTMAS.
If you wish to review the meditations for the first and second week of Advent; you can find them here: https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/the-second-sabbath-of-advent-a-meditation-on-seeking-and-preparing-seasons/; https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/the-first-sabbath-of-advent-a-meditation-on-waiting-seasons/. Today’s meditations will be centered around the progressive lighting of the third candle.
MEDITATION FOR THE THIRD SABBATH BEFORE ADVENT
It is the third Sabbath before December 25th; we come together to light the third candle. This candle stands for joy and love.
THE JOY PART
I’m reminded of two songs here; one new and one old. The old one is an old Christian favorite called Joy to the World; and almost everyone knows the cheerful tidings of this song announcing the birth of Christ. The second song is one I’ve only heard for the first time this year. It is called “Old Church Choir” and is sung by Zack Williams. The lyrics have a catchy little line that says “Ain’t nobody going to steal my joy!”
If you find joy; you had better guard it from the enemy. Satan comes to steal and kill and destroy. He doesn’t want you to have joy. Jesus is just the opposite; He came to give us an abundant spirit-filled life that will never end. When you find the joy of Jesus; don’t ever let any one or any thing steal it away!
By this time in the pondering of the thoughts of Advent we have arrived at a time of joy. It is such a treasure to come to this place. God has created us specifically to worship Him forever in joy!
Don’t ever let anything hold you back from this purpose.
THE LOVE PART
When we think of love, we are reminded of the joy that is found in the hearts of all those who love God and rejoice when they hear of the Messiah coming to earth!
Love and joy are wonderful partners.
When love comes down; the joy of it just demands to be announced!
God sent the angel Gabriel to make the announcement to Mary.
God also sent an angel to make His announcement of joy to the shepherds who were tending their flocks in the fields at the time when Christ was born nine months later; in the fall of the year. The angel told them where they could find Jesus and they quickly obeyed God and joyfully went to look for Him.
Those humble shepherds believed in the word of the Lord and they wanted to see the Savior of the World who had come humbly in the form of a child.
Are any of us like those joyful shepherds?
Do we believe with great joy whenever we hear that Christ has come to dwell among us?
Are we seeking the truth of the words from the Angels of God?
Are we lovingly looking for Christ to come again?
It is believing God, seeking His truth and obeying His word that leads us down the path that brings us straight into a brand new place of joy and love.
JOY AND LOVE USUALLY COME FROM HUMILITY
Why do you think God spoke to a poor virgin girl and those humble shepherds instead of a king?
Why do you think God used a poor virgin girl and some lowly shepherds to proclaim His good news to the world and not the present rulers of the nations?
Could you possibly be a shepherd too?
Do you have the blessing of believing as these shepherds did in your life?
Has this blessing helped you to hear the good news with joy?
GOOD SHEPHERDS STILL EXIST IN THE WORLD TODAY
We should be constantly thanking God for all the Good Shepherds out there who are spreading the wonderful news of the Gospel of Christ.
They are still around and in the most unlikely of places.
Like these good shepherds of old; we all should aspire to do our own part of the telling of His story.
We all need to spread the love of God throughout the land as we continue through this wonderful season of Advent.
Have you heard the message? He is coming again!
He is coming with joy and love for those who love and worship Him.
Be watching and waiting for His arrival.