Unlike the bright lights and cheer of Christmas, the season of advent is typically marked by waiting and anticipation in the darkness. Traditionally in the third week of Advent, we emphasize our joy in the waiting; the joy in knowing that we worship a sovereign, good God who is returning to fulfill his promises to us.

Our Christian faith calls us to wait on God a lot. It’s not always easy to wait patiently, especially when it pertains to issues and prayer requests that are really important to us. But even in this waiting we can have joy in knowing the big picture outcome. As followers of Jesus, we know that despite our daily struggles, Jesus will return soon to bring restoration to the world’s brokenness, sickness and despair. He will create a new and perfect heaven and earth. There will be no more pain, no more sadness, no more sin, no more darkness, no more lies from Satan. His sovereignty and peace will have no end.

Even amidst the messiness of everyday life and ugliness in the world, we can celebrate knowing Jesus has come to save us from the darkness of the world. May we let the joy of this knowledge burn in our hearts all through Christmas and the coming new year.

Advent Week Three

Read: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Sing: “Ode to Joy”
Remember: God came to earth in Christ and Christ is coming again. Let’s rejoice that God is “living among” us right now, and celebrate the wonderful work of his hands in the past and future.