This Sunday we will light the pink or rose candle on the Advent wreath. It symbolizes the theme of the day, one of rejoicing on the third Sunday of Advent. Amidst a season marked by preparation and repentance, this week is a time to look ahead to the hope of Christmas. We are called to rejoice at the greatest moment in human history when God stepped into the world in great humility to redeem each and every one of us.
As Advent is a season of reflection, this theme of rejoicing brings with it a question. What do we rejoice in? And what do we hope for? The world around us rejoices in material things, which many a Christmas list reflect. It hopes for peace, joy, and unity. Yet, true hope for such desires cannot come through material things, world powers, family, or feel good movies. Sadly, many people strive for and place hope in things that are fleeting and people who let them down.
Enduring hope and purpose can only be found in Jesus Christ. We may know this in our heads, but we must embrace it with our hearts and lives in order to live life more fully. We are invited during this season to once more look at what we hope for and rejoice in. By evaluating the decisions we make, the ways we spend our time, and perhaps what we focus upon and look forward to, the sources of our hope and rejoicing are revealed. Many are worthy things, I imagine, but none have the enduring hope of a life fixed upon Jesus Christ.
In a culture where people so desperately grasp for hope and fleeting joy in countless ways, we can direct them to hope and joy that does not fade away. In order to do so, it first begins in us. As we look into our own lives, we are to align our will with God’s will for us. And we have a unique opportunity to be beacons of light that shine in the world to illuminate truth as revealed in Jesus Christ this time of year. For the true joy of this season comes as hearts turn to Jesus. While we continue to prepare our lives this in the weeks to come, may we bear in mind the high calling that we have to do so for our sake others as well as our own.
As Advent is a season of reflection, this theme of rejoicing brings with it a question. What do we rejoice in? And what do we hope for? The world around us rejoices in material things, which many a Christmas list reflect. It hopes for peace, joy, and unity. Yet, true hope for such desires cannot come through material things, world powers, family, or feel good movies. Sadly, many people strive for and place hope in things that are fleeting and people who let them down.
Enduring hope and purpose can only be found in Jesus Christ. We may know this in our heads, but we must embrace it with our hearts and lives in order to live life more fully. We are invited during this season to once more look at what we hope for and rejoice in. By evaluating the decisions we make, the ways we spend our time, and perhaps what we focus upon and look forward to, the sources of our hope and rejoicing are revealed. Many are worthy things, I imagine, but none have the enduring hope of a life fixed upon Jesus Christ.
In a culture where people so desperately grasp for hope and fleeting joy in countless ways, we can direct them to hope and joy that does not fade away. In order to do so, it first begins in us. As we look into our own lives, we are to align our will with God’s will for us. And we have a unique opportunity to be beacons of light that shine in the world to illuminate truth as revealed in Jesus Christ this time of year. For the true joy of this season comes as hearts turn to Jesus. While we continue to prepare our lives this in the weeks to come, may we bear in mind the high calling that we have to do so for our sake others as well as our own.
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