Weeks of Illumination

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

Exploring the Advent Wreath: Part Four

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
-Psalm 5:11

Joy

It is now time to move ahead to the third candle of advent- the candle of joy. This candle is generally lit during the third week of advent, and you’ll notice that this candle is a different color - pink. This is generally lit on the Sunday in advent called Gaudete Sunday – where Joy is the theme of the day.

And is there ever a more joyous occasion than the arrival of our savior?

Consider the words of Peter:

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9

“The joy that fills our spirit often defies description, it can only be responded to in faith and thanksgiving – a rejoicing. ”

Peter touches on something that is common among Christians. We may not see Jesus in the flesh, but our love for him is manifested in our hearts. The joy that fills our spirit often defies description, it can only be responded to in faith and thanksgiving – a rejoicing.

The joy we experience as Christians surpasses all understanding. It is a join which comes as the culmination of all of the promises of God – made tangible before us. It animates us as the people of God, lifting us out of the pit of despair and filling us with the gifts of the spirit, so that we “go out leaping like calves from the stall” (Malachi 4:2). The angels who encountered the shepherds in Luke’s Gospel initiated their message by imploring them to rejoice at what they were about to witness – the God of Israel had not forsaken them, the savior of the nations has indeed come.

Often in the Christian life we struggle to express the inexpressible. The joy we are given through the spirit is not always easy to describe. All we can often do is be still, knowing he is God (Psalm 46:10). This advent, meditate on the great joy we have been given through this child in the tiny village of Bethlehem, who although could not care for himself was yet the heartbeat of all the world. Amen.

Article written by Drew Matz

A native of Southeastern Ohio, Drew moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he earned an MA in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, cultivating a love for Historical Theology and Biblical Languages. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. Being from the Appalachian Foothills, Drew is passionate about the outdoors and the natural wonder it inspires. Drew currently resides in Fort Wayne with his wife and daughter.