THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
JOY TO THE WORLD
SCRIPTURES: Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. Psalm 98:4
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
Luke 1:46-47
The Sears Wish Book. It is something I will never forget. As a child in the 50’s, my brother and I would very impatiently watch for the mailman during the month of September. Who would be the first to grab the Wish Book? Who would be the first to have a pencil and tablet all prepared to write an extensive list? Oh such joy to turn page after page of wonderful toys ! We spent days scrutinizing things we didn’t need but dearly wanted. “How long do we dare make our list?”
But was that really joy or was that happiness?
As I started to read about these two words, I realized there were two major differences. Happiness comes to us based on our circumstances. Joy comes to us not because our circumstances change, but because we are viewing them through the eyes of faith.
Mary held the most astounding secret in her heart and I wonder if she fully believed what she was told.
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where
angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby you kiss the face of God.
When she looked at her circumstances through her eyes of faith, she shouted out her song of joy!
Joy is a choice we are given. This Advent season choose your eyes of faith. Then you will know that God is working in your life. Joy to the world!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. Amen.
Barbara Schneider
