Today we continue the season of Advent under our theme “Faith Like a Child.” This Christmas as we celebrate the kingdom of Christ, Jesus himself said in Mark 10:15, Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. This morning we focus on the pink candle, the Candle of Joy.

And to help us with our reading this morning is… a child. Luke, would you read Psalm 16:8-11 for us?

Luke:  I know that the Lord is always with me. He is at my right hand. I will always be secure. So my heart is glad. Joy is on my tongue. My body also will be secure. ¹⁰ You will not leave me in the grave. You will not let your faithful one rot away. ¹¹ You always show me the path that leads to life. You will fill me with joy when I am with you. You will give me endless pleasures at your right hand.

The prophet Isaiah declared long ago that a virgin would conceive a child and give birth to a son who would be called Immanuel. The name Immanuel literally means “God is with us.” When Jesus Christ came to this earth that first Christmas, God was coming to be with us. He was God in the flesh.

And because God is always with us, like Luke read from Psalm 16, we can be filled with joy. His presence brings us security in this life, victory over death, and leads to good places with endless pleasures.

Have you ever made a child laugh? It didn’t take much, did it? They so easily experience joy. And we should be the same way.

And here’s the great thing, God didn’t just do a little. He has done a lot. He has given us so much, so many good things that we might be filled with joy. But, the best thing that He has given us is Himself. God is with us. Jesus Christ is our proof.

This Christmas may you really experience great joy in God through Jesus Christ. May this be a faith-filled Christmas!

(Light the pink candle)