Advent, Week 3 Candle of Joy (a.k.a. Shepherd’s Candle)
Thus far we have covered the first two weeks of Advent. The first week was represented by a purple candle, which symbolized the Candle of Hope (a.k.a., “the Candle of Prophecy”) and explored the anticipation the Jewish people felt as they awaited the prophesied Messiah. The second week we considered the purple Candle of Preparation (a.k.a., “the Bethlehem Candle”) and looked at some of the preparations that would have been hastily made when folks had to return to their ancestral homes in accordance with Caesar Augusta’s census decree. Moreover, it was clear that Mary was ready to give birth, and an innkeeper opened his heart and his stable to provide a place for Joseph and Mary to rest and for the baby to be born. For this third week of Advent, we will explore the pink Candle of Joy (a.k.a., “the Shepherds’ Candle”) and the exhilaration the shepherds experienced when they followed the angels’ directive to see for themselves the promised Messiah.
I have often heard that there is a distinction between ‘joy’ and ‘happiness’ and wondered at the descriptions given. I discovered a partial answer after our youngest was born, and my mother-in-law came to visit us. My husband, Steve, gave her a tour of the McGill University campus, where he was studying for his PhD. Suddenly she asked him if he was “happy.” Later, he mentioned the unexpected question and noted his answer, “I am content.” Content?! I emphatically replied, “When your mother asks you if you’re happy, the correct answer is ‘Yes!” Steve was surprised by my reaction, but he remarked, “Happiness is so over-rated.” His answer reminded me of the apostle Paul’s declaration, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances,” (Phil. 4:11). So, perhaps joy is a quiet contentment.
On the other hand, sometimes joy is so excitement- and anticipation-filled that it bubbles over and is evident to all who witness it.
Case in point, the shepherds who were overseeing their flocks in the fields outside of Bethlehem. As they settled into their nightly routine, it seemed that it would be another long, ordinary—and, hopefully, quiet—night. But have you ever wondered how, for two years, the magi followed the bright star that appeared on the night that Jesus was born; and, yet, there is no mention of the shepherds spotting nor mentioning the star. Nevertheless, when God wants to get our attention, He will often go to great lengths to do so! And, of course, in this account we do see God’s extravagance as He suddenly reaches out to a group of lowly shepherds—via a heavenly light show with angels. Imagine the progression of the shepherds’ experience on that evening—from fear and trembling at the explosive disruption in the night sky, to the wonder of the angels’ glorious birth announcement, to the excitement and anticipation as they hurried to confirm the truth for themselves, and finally, to the awe and joy they felt at seeing Messiah! Their joy was overflowing! As they returned to their flocks, the shepherds told everyone they encountered about the divine events of that evening! And the amazing truth is that God continues to step down from heaven and shake up our lives with a ‘suddenly’ experience, too! Furthermore, when He does, we need to remember, “Don’t be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy…!” Hallelujah! Now, how can we not adore Him, especially when He is so intimately involved in our lives?!
ily Scripture ReadingsSunday Luke 2: 8-20
Monday Psalm 84:1-12
Tuesday Matthew 22:37
Wednesday 1 Peter 1:3-9
Friday Romans 15: 7-13
Saturday Revelation 5:11– 14
Blessings & Peace
Elizabeth Hogan Hayduk
Former Salvation Army Officer
(pastor)
Canada
