JOY!

The third candle of Advent represents joy. It is often called the “Shepard’s Candle;” it is meant to remind us of the joy the shepherds must have experienced that night they got to meet their Savior face-to-face and the angel proclaimed to them: “I bring you good tidings of great joy that will be for all people.”

Included in the PDF download below are portions of Scripture to remind us of how God shows up in the most unexpected of places. In this week’s readings, we will follow the genealogy of Jesus—especially focusing on the women in the line of the Promised Seed. I hope you are filled with joy as you realize your salvation isn’t about what you can do but rather it’s about what God has already done in Christ Jesus! God’s not afraid of entering our messes; He never has been or ever will be. Actually, He’s all about entering them (like a seed planted in soil) that we might know the depths of His love & have inexpressible joy!

Jesus shows up everywhere—especially in the painful and messy places— for everyone.

Download passages to reflect on and discussion questions here:  Advent: “JOY” (Week 3)
You can also enjoy this devotional about faith: The Seed in the Midst of Dirty Scandals

Did you know we’re discussing these things in a Facebook group at Hope For All Connection Group? We’d love it if you shared your thoughts there in the comments section under the Advent post titled “JOY” (Week 3). For more details about how to participate in that conversation go to HopeForAllConnection.com , click on “What’s New?” And follow the instructions on the “Advent Discussion” slide.

*These questions and reflections were prepared by Kimberly Weynen, Peter Hiett’s assistant.