Whether you’re with friends, family, or even enjoying some quiet time by yourself, take a moment to put this week’s focus into practice. Start by finding a visible spot in your home to set up your Advent candles. Here are a few simple steps to guide you.

Step One: Proclaim
Light the previous two candles and the third candle of the Advent season, representing Hope, Peace, and Joy, while proclaiming aloud:

This candle represents God’s JOY which we experience through God’s saving grace in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection brings us eternal joy. I declare God’s Word in Isaiah 12:5-6, “Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Praise God for security in our eternity!

Step Two: Share
Encourage everyone to take a moment to share or meditate on their own thoughts, feelings, or personal experiences related to the week’s theme as the candles are lit. Whether it’s a story or simply a moment of silence, allow this time to deepen your understanding and connection to the significance of the season.

What does joy look like to you? How would you explain to someone who doesn’t know what joy is?

Step Three: Pray
Spend time together praying, thanking God for the joy represented by the candles and ask for His guidance as you continue through the Advent season.

Father, thank you that you would send your only Son, Jesus, to earth to save us from sin. Restore to us the joy of our salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. And keeps our eyes and heart set upon the cross throughout the Christmas season. Amen.

Step Four: Caroling & Community
Finish your time by singing a Christmas carol together or listening to a Christmas playlist as you continue with your day. Allow the candle to stay lit for the rest of the time you are together as a reminder of God’s love this Advent season.

“Oh Holy Night" by Placide Cappeau

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:10
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Joy is more than a feeling. Nehemiah calls it our strength. It’s something God gives us to carry us forward. Not a reward for good times, but a resource for hard ones.
Pray: Lord, let Your joy strengthen me today, even in the middle of stress or struggle.
Contemplate: How can joy become a source of strength for you this week?

Scripture: Psalm 16:9-11
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Joy and presence go hand in hand. In God’s presence, joy is not partial, but full. Even when life is complicated, we find lasting joy by staying close to Him.
Pray: God, draw me closer to You today. Let Your presence be my joy.
Contemplate: Where are you searching for joy apart from God? And how can you return to Him?

Scripture: Psalm 30:1-5
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Grief and joy are not enemies. They often live side by side. Scripture promises that weeping may linger, but it does not last forever. Morning is coming. Joy is coming. Jesus is coming.
Pray: Father, thank You that my sorrow does not have the final say.
Contemplate: What kind of joy are you hoping to see rise after a season of sorrow?

Scripture: Luke 2:10-12
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: The birth of Jesus wasn’t just good news, it was great joy for all the people. Advent joy is rooted in the gospel. Christ has come, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Pray: Jesus, thank You for being the joy the world needs.
Contemplate: What makes the good news of Jesus joyful for you personally?

Scripture: Luke 1:46-49
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Mary’s joy flowed from her faith. She believed that God’s promise would be fulfilled, and her spirit rejoiced. Joy follows belief, not the other way around.
Pray: God, grow my trust in You so that joy can grow in me.
Contemplate: Is there a promise of God that you’re struggling to believe right now?

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-7
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Paul wrote these words from prison. Yet he told the church to rejoice. Not just once, but twice. Joy isn’t based on comfort. It’s based on Christ. Even in the most difficult times, we choose joy.
Pray: Jesus, help me to rejoice in You today, even if my circumstances don’t change.
Contemplate: What’s one small way you can choose joy today, regardless of what’s going on?

Scripture: John 16:21-24
Read the passage slowly and carefully at least twice with a brief moment of silence between each reading. Ask the question, What words or phrases stand out to you?
Reflect: Jesus says there is a kind of joy that no one can take away. That’s the joy He gives, anchored in His resurrection, rooted in eternity, and unshakable by today’s trials.
Pray: Jesus, help me hold tightly to the joy You’ve promised.
Contemplate: Where have you been tempted to let joy slip away? What would it look like to reclaim it?

Using the space below or on a separate paper, answer this question: How has God stirred joy in you this week (not just in your emotions, but in your spirit). How can you carry that joy into places that feel weary or joyless?