INSPIRASUNS

This is the third Sunday of Advent. It’s known as Rose Sunday. If you have an Advent wreath, this is the Sunday that we light the pink candle. Rose Sunday is when we take a little break from the somberness of Advent to enjoy the excitement of the coming of the Baby Jesus.

I read this beautiful prayer this morning that is very fitting for today, this Rose Sunday. I share it with you this morning, friends.

Heavenly Father, this third week of Advent, let us remember that the good news of Jesus’ birth brings us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our lives, in our world, or the people that we are with. It doesn’t depend on the gifts we give or the gifts we find under the tree. No earthly thing can ever give us complete joy. Our joy comes from you. That joy that flooded the hearts of the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, the hosts of heaven, and Mary and Joseph is the joy that still has the power to overwhelm our hearts with rejoicing. 

Those who gathered around the new baby were blessed because they believed that you had fulfilled your promises. Mary and Joseph believed and were able to feel the joy of holding baby Jesus in their arms. The shepherds and wise men believed the angels and the signs and experienced the great gladness of worshipping their Messiah.

Those who knew him and recognized him were overjoyed at the coming of Jesus. They saw the prophecies fulfilled, and their fear was replaced with happiness as they gazed on the face of the one who would be their Savior. They trusted in your promises, and their hearts were filled with gladness as they watched your loving-kindness manifested in the face of a tiny baby in a lowly manger. 

Father, you offer that same joy to us now if we know you and recognize Jesus as our Savior and Lord. You gave us a reason to celebrate when you gave us the unspeakable gift of your Son, Jesus. You came to dwell among us. You went to the cross for us. You overcame death and rose from the dead for us. You forgive our sins and give us eternal life when we believe in you. 

Our joy doesn’t come from our family, our relationships, our jobs, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with. Our joy is a gift. It is the gift that you gave us on that first Christmas. Our joy is encompassed in our Savior, Jesus. Flood our hearts with joy this Advent season as we reflect on the good news of Jesus’ birth. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen

Have a wonderful day, friends, enjoy the anticipation of the coming of the Babe, the Christ Child.

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.