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3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT: CELEBRATE WITH JOY!

LIGHTING THE THIRD PURPLE CANDLE: This candle represents the joy of knowing that Jesus was born and walked as a man upon this earth for 33 years. Celebrate with joy the gift of salvation and the hope that after this life, we begin a new life for eternity!

“Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” I Peter 1:8

I’ve never seen the Yellowstone National Park, the Eiffel Tower, or other magnificent creations around this world. Yet, just because I haven’t seen them in person, I know they exist. You might say, well, there are pictures of those places to assure You. And to that I would say, the Bible gives very accurate records of Jesus' life before and after His resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, Paul tells of over 500 individuals who witnessed Jesus after resurrection and before He ascended into Heaven.

This season of Christmas, and all year long, we have so many reasons to have joy fill our souls. Even if all else is going wrong in our world, the fact that Jesus rose, is alive and well, and is at the right hand of the Father is a joyous event to keep close in our hearts.

LET US CELEBRATE: We live in a world today that is showing more and more signs of darkness, so this week let us be light! Here are some suggestions:

• Get the address of a soldier that you know is not going to be able to be at home for the holidays, and send them a Christmas card with a handwritten note. It will most likely arrive late, but what a surprise to receive it later.

• Purchase a violet plant (about $5.00) at your local market and take it to a neighbor.

• We all know a person who is struggling; build them up and share how God has helped you through some tough times.

PRAYER: Lord, As I light the candle today, I can’t help but think of that old Sunday School song, "I have the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart." As the lyrics continue, it says the joy is down in my heart to stay! Lord, help us to carry joy all year long and not just this season because, Lord, Your gift of salvation should help us to always carry joy. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.