2025 Advent week 3: Joy - Luke 2:8-14 God Has Come to Earth

God Has Come to Earth

Luke 2:8-14, Matthew 2: 1-18

Pop quiz: What does Advent (adventus) mean “coming” or “arrival” 

For extra credit what week are we on? JOY

First, that Jesus came as the Messiah, the Christ, to die for our sins,

And He is coming again to get us... in all His fullness, power and glory.

Light candles

Hope  -  A wholehearted, evidence-based conviction that God will make the future better than the past or present.  BETHLEHAM candle b/c hope started

What future is that pointing to- heaven. 

Peace - a state of wholeness, completeness, well-being, and renewal between us, God, and others. Shalom PROPHET Isaiah 9:6 - "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," foretelling Jesus Christ as a divine, powerful ruler bringing everlasting peace and wisdom

This wholeness is felt deep in our soul. Our soul longs for wholeness that can only be consoled by the presence of God in our lives.

That’s HOPE and PEACE. 

This week we demonstrate a shift by lighting the pink candle—the Joy Candle, also known as the Shepherds candle, because the proclamation by the angels was delivered to the shepherds that brought them and the world great joy.

The color of this 3rd week is to match the shift in the tone from one of waiting to heartfelt rejoicing at the arrival of God having come to earth by the announcement of His birth. We no longer wait in anticipation for joy. Joy has come! And our faith increased for the Joy we’ll have for eternity when he returns.