“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12)
The third candle of Advent is pink, the liturgical color for joy.
I don’t always associate the fall and winter seasons with joy. While I do think of having a fun time around the holidays and I do enjoy spending time with my family, the days feel shorter than they actually are, and the gloomy clouds and cold weather can negatively affect my mood. When you look at it that way it's not the most cheerful of seasons. But that’s why I think one reason anticipating and celebrating the birth of Christ at this time of year is significant for us.
No one the angels appeared to before the birth of Christ may have felt gloomier than the shepherds. They slept outside, they were cold, and on the fringe of society. Likely they were not on anyone’s mind. Thankfully, they were on God’s mind. He chose to make a glorious announcement to them of all people! This shows us in God’s Kingdom no one is better than the other—Christ’s joy is for all people just as the angel said! So, this season, when you feel like a shepherd on the outside looking in, remember there is a higher joy to be experienced even in the winter of life.
Comments