The Third Candle of Advent: Joy

The desert and the parched land will be glad;

    the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.

Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;

    it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. (Isaiah 35:1-2)

The desert and the parched land will be glad.  Not because the rains have come.  But because the Lord has come.  Not because there is escape from the blazing sun.  But because there is no escape from the glory and salvation and healing power of God.

The desert can rejoice and be parched.  For joy isn’t based on circumstances but on promises.  Hands can be feeble and strong.  For a day is coming when even those that cannot walk will leap like deer.

The glory of the Lord will be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.  We light this candle in great joy.  Our God is faithful.