A Third Sunday of Advent Devotional

The Third Sunday of Advent—often called Gaudete Sunday—invites us to rejoice. Yet the Scriptures appointed for today do not sound, at first glance, like what we expect from a “joyful” season. Isaiah speaks of cosmic upheaval. Hebrews warns of a shaking that will test everything. Even John the Baptist fades into the background, insisting, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Where, then, is the joy?

The joy of Advent is not shallow cheer or seasonal optimism. It is a deeper joy—one that survives upheaval, loss, and transition because it is rooted in God alone.

Joy That Springs From Desire for God (Psalm 63)

Psalm 63 begins in longing: “O God, you are my God; eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you.” This is not the language of comfort but of hunger. Yet the psalmist’s joy emerges precisely from this desire. In the wilderness, without security or abundance, the psalmist discovers that God’s “steadfast love is better than life.”

Joy, here, is not dependent on circumstances. It flows from intimacy with God. Even in dryness, the soul rejoices because it has found its true source of life.

Joy That Trusts God Amid Upheaval (Isaiah 13:6–13)

Isaiah’s vision is unsettling: the Day of the Lord is described as darkness, trembling, and judgment. This text does not offer easy comfort—but Advent joy is honest about the world as it is. There are times when unjust systems collapse, when false securities are exposed, and when human pride is brought low.

Joy does not deny these realities. Instead, it trusts that God is at work even when the world shakes. Advent joy looks beyond chaos and believes that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail.

Joy That Cannot Be Shaken (Hebrews 12:18–29)

Hebrews contrasts fear with hope, terror with promise. We are told we have not come to a mountain of fear but to “Mount Zion… the heavenly Jerusalem.” Even as everything that can be shaken will be shaken, one thing remains: “a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”

Here is Advent joy in its purest form. Our joy rests not in what is temporary—institutions, power, or even our own certainty—but in God’s unshakable reign. Because this kingdom endures, we can respond with gratitude, awe, and worship.

Joy That Is Complete in Christ (John 3:22–30)

John the Baptist offers one of the clearest expressions of spiritual joy: “The friend of the bridegroom… rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled.” John’s joy is not found in success, recognition, or control. It is found in stepping aside so that Christ may take center stage.

This is the paradox of Christian joy: it grows as our egos shrink. When we release the need to be the focus, we discover the freedom of pointing others to Jesus.

The Joy of Advent

Together, these Scriptures teach us that Advent joy is not naïve or fragile. It is forged in longing, sustained through upheaval, anchored in God’s unshakable kingdom, and fulfilled in Christ alone.

This joy does not ignore the darkness of the world or the uncertainty of our times. Instead, it proclaims that God is still God, Christ is still coming, and the kingdom is nearer than we dare to hope.

Advent Prayer

Gracious God,
In a world that trembles and a season that longs,
Teach us the joy that comes from seeking You alone.
When all that can be shaken falls away,
Root us in Your unshakable kingdom.
As we wait for Christ,
May our joy be made complete in Him.
Amen.