Advent: Joy Week Three
Bible Verse
And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:18
The four weeks leading up to Christmas are a special time for God's people to join in anticipation of Christ's birth. This time is called Advent.
Please click here if you would like complete instructions on the Advent candles.
This week, light the third Advent candle. The pink candle represents joy. You will also light the candles from the previous weeks (hope and peace).
Have someone say, “This is the third week of Advent. We light the candles of hope and peace from the last two weeks. Today, we light the candle of joy.” Have someone light the candles of hope, peace, and joy.
Dig Deeper
Talk about the devotion The Shepherds’ Joy. You might use the prayer at the end of the devotion together.
To learn more about the shepherds and explore what joy means in the Bible, read Luke 2:8-20.
Ask this question: “How do you feel about God sending Jesus to be your Savior?” Then, ask this question: “How can you share this joy with others?” Allow each family member to answer the questions and discuss what joy means to them. After the sharing time, say, “Let’s find ways to show our joy in Jesus to everyone we meet this week.”
- Share these Gifts of Kindness ideas and explore some ways you can give other people joy:
Make a memory photo album and share it with a friend or family member.
Take a walk with someone and find beautiful examples of God’s creation.
Call your grandparents and ask them about their childhood.
Make a homemade gift for someone.
Leave something small and beautiful where a stranger will find it.
Tell a joke.
Feed the birds.
Check-in on an elderly neighbor.
Invite someone to play at recess.
Pick up litter.
Let someone go ahead of you in line.
Tell the principal how great your teacher is.
Listen to (or even sing!) a family favorite Christmas carol about joy, like “Joy to the World.” You can listen to an Advent playlist on Spotify. We also love "Waiting Songs" by Rain for Roots.
We pray that this practice of participating in Advent gives your family a deep sense of anticipation for Christmas. May God bless you during this special season.
Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire's article Finding Joy at Christmas! and Choosing Joy Over Happiness.
Beth Fellinger
Beth Fellinger has been hanging out in ministry for 40 plus years as a pastor, as the Canadian Youth Director for Alpha, leader of the local region for Mothers Who Care, and also serving coffee and cinnamon buns to neighbours at the Ugly Couch Care (aka Turquoise Table). She and her husband Barry have two children, two in-law kids and 5 grandchildren. Nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
