JOY- 3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Today we light the Pink candle that stands for Joy!
"We see Jesus’s own joy when he makes himself the shepherd in the parable of the lost sheep. What does he do when he finds his lost sheep? “Truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray” (Matthew 18:13). “When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:5–7).”
(n.d.). https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/oh-the-deep-deep-joy-of-jesus
The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
John 9:5 — The New International Version (NIV)
5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
As mature Christians, it is our faith to continue sharing the Light with the world so that the world may share in the Joy that comes from God. As the Light of the Star guided the three Kings and Shephards to witness the Birth of Christ, so should we guide those who are willing to listen to the Word of God.
As Jesus was the shepherd who steered his flock toward the path of righteousness, so must we, as His followers, help to steer our family, loved ones, and others in the direction of God.
“In Matthew 5:16 Jesus is telling us to live consumed by what others think about, not you but about God. Live so that others think well of God. Live so that others give glory to God. And live so that others see your life, hear your word, observe your works, and they don’t say anything about you. They give glory to God. That is a radically different way to live. It’s a revolutionary way to live. It’s the exact opposite of pride. This is humility. To live in such a way that your light shines before others. They see the way you live and they don’t think about you. They give glory to your father who is in heaven. You live for that, it’ll change the way you talk. It’ll change the way you work, it’ll change your motive and your relationships at home and your neighborhood at your workplace in the world.” (Platt, 2017)
J-O-Y: Jesus-Other- You
As Jesus placed us before himself, so should we place Jesus and Others before us.
The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.
Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Citation
Platt, D. (2017). https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/shining-a-light-for-gods-glory-matthew-516/#:~:text=Matthew%205%3A16%20Asks%20Us,See%20God%20In%20Our%20Lives&text=Live%20so%20that%20others%20give,a%20revolutionary%20way%20to%20live.
(n.d.). https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/oh-the-deep-deep-joy-of-jesus
