By Ruth Storkel. Â
We rejoice on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, known as “Gaudete” Sunday. “Gaudete” is the Latin word “rejoice.” This Sunday is a time to rejoice!
We rejoice that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the greatest gift the Heavenly Father could give this world! “For God so loved the world, that HE gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
We also rejoice that He is reigning supreme and will return to the earth a second time. As in Handel’s Messiah, we hear the echoing triumphant declaration: “And He shall reign forever and ever! Hallelujah!”
As we light the Advent Wreath’s pink candle, this third one is known as “The Shepherd’s Candle,” representing “JOY”.
The shepherds on the Bethlehem hillsides were greatly frightened (as many people are) when suddenly seeing, in the darkness, a shining angel who said: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…..you will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
We see that the fear of the shepherds was replaced with joy. They went and saw the Babe; then they told others, “glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard .” (Luke 2:20). They became messengers of good news, spreading joy in their hometown.
Likewise, when we truly see and know Jesus, the Holy Gift of God, and experience His love, beauty, compassion, and goodness, we will be set free from anxiety and fear, and receive His peace and joy. “I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly,” He has promised.
In understanding “joy,” we need a revelation that true joy is not just “momentary happiness”; it goes far beyond that! It is not dependent on one’s circumstances; it comes from God alone! The Scriptures tell us:
- God fills us with joy. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy.” (Romans 15:13a)
  2. It’s a fruit of God’s Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…” (Galatians 5:22)
  3. No one can take joy from us. “And your joy no one will take from you.” (John 16:22)
  4. Joy rests in things God gives us (salvation, holiness, etc.). “Restore to me the joy of your salvation”. (Psalms 51:12)
In the scriptures, joy is mentioned more than 100 times! Indeed, God wants His people to have His joy! As you celebrate this 3rd Sunday of Advent, enter in to His joy as the shepherds did! The Lord has come!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing, and Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven and nature sing!
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ.
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy!
                 (Isaac Watts and George Handel)
