Joy in Christ - The Reason for the Season

If you worshiped in person or online last weekend, you may recall that during Puppet Time, we talked about how there are many traditions about the Advent Wreath, and that there is no one absolutely correct way of doing things. When I was young, one question that constantly came up was about the pink (technically rose) candle. Which week is it supposed to be lit? For those of us who like order, it would seem to make sense that you light three of the same color first and then the different color last. But, in fact, the pink/rose candle (or in our case, the candle with the pink/rose ribbon beneath it) is lit on the 3rd Sunday of Advent as a reminder of joy. (In fact, some churches do light that candle on the 4th Sunday of Advent, but that’s another story.)

So why would we need a reminder of joy in the midst of all the pre-Christmas celebration going on? Technically, Advent is a season, like Lent, to prepare our hearts as we consider our sin and wish to be cleansed of its guilt and live a new life (which is why Jesus came). So, in the midst of a penitential season, a reminder that Jesus came to bring joy is very important. Practically, as we get caught up in all the pre-Christmas preparations and may find ourselves beginning to get frazzled and overwhelmed, a reminder of joy in Jesus is also very important – the reason for the season. As our verse for the week states: “They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” ISAIAH 35:10 (NIV)