Dear redeemed in Jesus Christ,

Here we are–just two weeks from Christmas!  And our hearts and minds are racing with so much about things to get done.  Or maybe not.  But the race is on to get that special, discounted gift for your loved one(s).  It amazes me that people are so “gung ho” for that special savings that they will actually camp out at the store front, so to be the first ones to enter the store as it opens.  And oh what joy as they walk out of the store with their much desired purchase and treasures!  I myself do not care for any of that STUFF!  Some people–like it.  It’s just not for me.

This Sunday, as we edge closer to Christmas and celebrate the REAL reason for the season–the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ, there is proclaimed to our ears and hearts a message of JOY.  We will surely focus on JOY on Christmas Eve and Day, but this Sunday is “pink candle” Sunday, as we light the PINK candle on our Advent wreath.  The PINK candle is the JOY candle.  There is always JOY–true JOY–in the message of Jesus Christ.  How could a believer not be filled with JOY at His coming and through His ministry of Word and Sacrament?

I share with you this Scripture passage from 1 Peter 1:8 and 9:

Now that’s both cause and source of true JOY!  It is given in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who by His grace-packed message delivers to us His salvation and victory to life eternal in heaven.  Get ready for JESUS!   And may His JOY fill your hearts and your minds.