"Joy of Heaven, to Earth Come Down"

In the business of the season and through all the cares of life, may you: Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

Perhaps my favorite Sunday of Advent is the third Sunday when the pink candle is lit. The pink candle represents the joy of heaven over mankind’s redemption. It is also often fittingly called the Angel’s Candle. A distinct aspect of the angelic heralds of the Messiah’s advent is the irresistible joy that bursts forth in their messages. The heavenly messengers were overwhelmed with the Good tidings of great joy which they were blessed to declare. My desire is that this resistless joy of the angels about our Redeemer God’s Advent would always overwhelm us. God has declared that His joy is our strength (see Nehemiah 8:10b). In this season and all the year long may we ever find this so! The Psalmist declared of our Redeemer King, You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fulness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Hallelujah! May we be graced to declare this blessed news!

This past Sunday I had the special privilege of holding a pastoral installation service at Buckley Faith Community for Rev. Danny Griffin. He officially started there on November 17th. It was a joy to be with Pastor Danny and the Buckley Church. Please take the time to reach out and welcome him to our district!

May this week be blessed as you walk in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8).

I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope (Psalms 16:8-9).

In Our Savior’s Service Together!
Rev. Dan Gilmore