Joyful Proclamation!
Have you ever had that experience where someone made a promise to you and then they came through? What did you feel like? What if that promise came years and years earlier and was fulfilled when you were least expecting it? You would probably be filled with utter joy.
This is what the third week of Advent is all about.
The third week is when we light the “Shepherds Candle” which represents joy. Could you imagine being one of the young shepherds that evening? For your whole life you’ve heard the stories of Messiah coming from your father and grandfather. Now you’re out there trying to stay warm while you watch over your family’s flock, this thing that you do every night.
Then…
The skies explode in light and angels appear telling you that Messiah has come and where to find him! Your heart is bursting with excitement and you run.
When you get there, you find it exactly as the angels say it would be.
Promise fulfilled.
Overwhelming joy and proclamation.
On this this the third week of advent, we light the third candle, the pink one because light has overcome darkness.
Do you share the joy of the shepherds? A joy that demands proclamation that the Messiah has come?
This might tap your “joyful” muscle…