Advent Journey

Week 3: Rejoice Always – The Gift of Joy Through Christ

“Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!” Zephaniah 3:14

The third Sunday of Advent is focused on “Joy,” and this is reflected in the lectionary readings, for those who follow it. So, one of the readings is from Philippians, the words of the Apostle Paul, who writes “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say, rejoice.”

Is it realistic to think that we can rejoice ALWAYS? I know that during challenging times, when I’m upset or under stress, my natural inclination is not to rejoice! I’m more likely to withdraw or complain than I am to rejoice! But we know, especially at this time of year, that we have a reason to rejoice that transcends our circumstances, no matter how distressing.

Hear what is said in one of the other lectionary readings for this Sunday, from the book of the prophet Zephaniah: “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has turned away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more.” This passage has been called by some, “a song of Joy,” and in it the prophet encourages the people to rejoice because God has rescued them from their adversaries, and they can look forward to the future with joy.

No matter what our circumstances, God has given us a victorious future through the coming of His Son into the world, and this IS our Joy. May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Rev. Lorraine Diaz
Senior Minister,
Central United Church, Unionville

Prayer:

Gracious God, in times of joy and sorrow, help us to trust in Your presence and promises. Teach us to rejoice, not because our circumstances are perfect, but because You are with us and Your joy is our strength. As we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, may we overflow with the joy that comes from knowing You.

Reflection:

In a world full of challenges, it can feel almost impossible to rejoice always. Yet, Paul’s words in Philippians call us to a deeper truth: joy isn’t rooted in fleeting circumstances but in the unchanging presence of God. This Advent season, may we remember that our joy comes from the hope we have in Christ—a hope that transcends every trial.