The Third Sunday in Advent: Joy


  • Lectionary readings for the third Sunday in Advent: Zephaniah 3:14-20  • 
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  • Isaiah 12:2-6  • 
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  • Philippians 4:4-7  • 
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  • Luke 3:7-18
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  • While Zephaniah (how many people know that book?) and Isaiah speak of joy,  it is Philippians which spreads the joy of the season to me:

  • 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 4:6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  • I particularly like verses 6-7.  DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING!  Easier said than done, right?  But if we hold tight to worry, how can we experience joy?  As the classic (?) song says:  "Let it go...Let it go!"  Even if just for a day or an hour.  Let go of the worry and allow the peace of God and joy find you.

  • Joy is easy to find...it is all around us in the world.  YOU just have to look.  The emphasis is on YOU because what brings one joy, can be an annoyance to another.  Your joy is uniquely yours.  It is a gift from God to you and no one else.  Allow yourself to receive it.  ALLOW yourself!

  • The gift of joy is yours.  Release your worries and experience the joy that God places at your feet.  The gift of the third Sunday in Advent is joy.  Cherish it.  As the carol goes:  "Joy to the world, the lord is come!"  

  • Let your heart be filled with joy this week and the whole year through!

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