Advent Reading: Week 3, Joy
She lights the third candle—a flicker of joy in a tired season.
But joy doesn’t always look like laughter or sparkle.
Sometimes, it’s quieter.
Softer.
Like breath returning to the body after too many days of holding it.
Advent joy is different from holiday cheer.
Cheer is easy to fake.
Joy is something deeper.
It’s what bubbles up when you know you’re loved, even when
nothing is going according to plan.
Joy is the sacred defiance of despair.
It’s singing anyway.
It’s lighting the candle even when your heart feels heavy.
It’s saying, “God is still good,” even when the world is not.
This is how we wait:
With eyes open for the joy tucked into ordinary places.
Not manufactured joy, but noticed joy.
Like the smile of someone who really sees you.
A moment of laughter that surprises you.
A sudden stillness that soothes your spirit.
Joy isn’t the reward for getting everything done.
It’s the grace that shows up in the middle of the mess.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
—Nehemiah 8:10
Reflection:
✨What’s one small moment that made you smile or exhale this week?
Pause and thank God for that joy—it’s not small to Him.
Scripture Reading:
📖 Luke 1:39–56—Mary visits Elizabeth and both rejoice in God’s faithfulness
Dear Friend,
Thank you for following along during this Advent series.
For full access to the devotional, This Is How We Wait, subscribe below and check your inbox.
Veritas et gratia,
Kristy 💐
