What Is the Candle of Joy?
Tena koutou, Huang Ying, Talofa lava, Welcome, and greetings church family.
The joy candle is also known as the Shepherd’s Candle, to highlight the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the good news about Christ’s birth (Luke 2:8-20). They received the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation he has gifted us. Philippians 4:4-5 captures the JOY that is gifted to us for his glory in sharing the Good News with our neighbours.
“Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! (The MESSAGE Version)
Many of us experienced that joy at the wonderful Baptism Service we had last week. The joy shown by Sophie, Katie, Carol and Margot as they gave their testimonies and the happiness of family friends as we celebrated this public declaration of faith was truly God honouring. We truly rejoiced as in (Psalm 47:1). “Clap your hands, shout to God with cries of joy.
During this week may you experience “the joy of the Lord as your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) and “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).
Advent Prophecies FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Fulfilled – HALLELUJAH
Kings shall bring Him gifts, and bow down before Him.
Old Testament: Psalm 72:10-11
“May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him”.
The Psalms were written over the span of approximately 900 years (Beginning at the time of Moses 1440 B.C. and through the captivity in 586 B.C.).
Fulfilled in Matthew 2:1, 11
“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem”
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh”.
about author
Ordained in 2022 after 20+ years in the education sector as a Teacher, Principal and Education consultant. Reverend Enosa heard God’s call to enter the ministry. Now Senior Minister of St Peter’s Church in Tauranga, he leads a vibrant Church in the heart of the City reaching out to the local community.
