Psalm 30:11 (NLT)
“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,”
Happiness is temporary joy is lasting. Week 3 of Advent turns from waiting/anticipating to remembering. We begin this week reflecting on the joy that marks childbirth. We remember that we are a joyful people because Christ has come. Week 3 of Advent isn’t about the 2nd coming of Christ that we wait for it is about the work that Christ has already accomplished.
While we think about the work Christ has done in us and for the world, we have joy, not just happiness. It is important that the third week of Advent is marked by joy because it allows us to see that the light inside us cannot be taken away. Even though the darkest day of the year (winter solstice) usually occurs during the third week of Advent.
It is with joy and gladness that we look not to the weather that demands us to be somber and fearful. This is a week to be glad because Christ has come, and nothing can change that He came. We get to hold onto all of God’s promises tighter, stronger, and yet with greater ease because we remember the joy of Christ in our lives. With the weather quieting us we are all the louder and all the more joyful because the weather has no power over Christ. On a day for mourning, He has turned the day into a dancing joyous celebration.
My joy right now is watching my son begin to understand the magic of the season. It only gets magnified when we actually get to do the things he loves like going outside. He loves outside. We got to go for a walk this morning, and we will get to play in the yard this afternoon. Meanwhile, I will get to clean up our garage a little which is surprisingly stress relieving for me and get our house ready to host Christmas next week. Hooray for the 60-degree weather right before Christmas only to allow us the possibility of some flurries on the actual day. God is good to us. This is the day that the Lord has made we might as well celebrate it even if it were cold and rainy.