December 17, 2022 – Devotions to Prepare Us For Christ’s Coming

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

The Third Candle (The Candle of JOY)

The third candle, the only candle that can be either purple or pink (usually pink), indicates that the only lasting Joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.

In 1620, the Mayflower Pilgrims arrive in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower which embarked from England to America in September 1620. Most of the Pilgrims on the ship were originally from the Netherlands. The exploring party first went ashore in America on Dec. 21, 1620. The Pilgrims had originally intended to continue sailing south but made the decision to remain at Cape Cod after they encountered rough seas and were nearly shipwrecked. We can only imagine that the people on that ship were overjoyed to finally see land, yet feelings of dread would not be far behind.  Not only were they coming to a new land, but they were landing during winter. 

The birth of Jesus is always celebrated in the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere since this is when December 25 comes along on the calendar. Winter is not always a time of joy with the lower temperatures, the snow, the cost of fuel oil and electricity, and the lack of daylight. But the birth of Jesus is the announcement of the “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)  This is the joy of the season, a joy that can lift our spirits, bring light into our lives, and keep us moving forward like the Pilgrims of 1620.  And this joy is not fleeting, it is the love, joy, and peace that sustains us through and for all time.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, in this Advent season fill me with your love and your light each and every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave