Welcome to week three of this Advent season! I have put together a series of musical devotionals that take us on a journey from Advent to Epiphany. Each devotional in the series will include a visual word cloud that I hope aides in your reflection time, a Scripture passage, a music video, and a prayer. If you missed last week's devotion or need to start at the beginning, click Week One or Week Two.
So take a minute to light a candle and reflect on today's message of Joy.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7 (The Message)
2-7The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.
For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
light! sunbursts of light!
You repopulated the nation,
you expanded its joy.
Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
Festival joy!
The joy of a great celebration,
sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
all their whips and cudgels and curses—
Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.
The boots of all those invading troops,
along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
Will be piled in a heap and burned,
a fire that will burn for days!
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He'll take over
the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
Strong God,
Eternal Father,
Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
He'll rule from the historic David throne
over that promised kingdom.
He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
and keep it going
With fair dealing and right living,
beginning now and lasting always.
The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
will do all this.
Song: "Joy To The World" by Third Day found on their "Christmas Offerings"
album.Prayer: Bless us, O God; help us to keep joy in our hearts this Advent season. We desire your presence in our life and long for the inner harmony that comes when we are present with you. Amen.
*Special thanks to these online resources who helped me pull this together.
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