The Shift from Penance to Rejoicing -An Advent Devotional

“And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.’”— Luke 1:46-48 (ESV)

I don’t know about you, but I love a happy ending. I watch feel-good movies, read inspirational books, and follow good news publications. The beginning and middle of the story can be wrought with chaos, loss, and despair, but I need a redemptive ending that fills my soul with hope, peace, and love. To me, the best part of any story is the transition from lament to praise, when God turns ashes into joy (Isaiah 61:3).

For Christians, Advent should be so much more than enjoying a piece of chocolate with a daily devotional.

It is a season of reflection and hopeful anticipation as the lighting of each candle shines more light into our present darkness. Lighting the first purple candle represents hope, and it symbolizes penance, sacrifice, and preparation. The second purple candle represents peace, and Christians often use this week for reflection and becoming more Christ-like.

The pink candle lit on the third Sunday of Advent marks a shift from a posture of penance and solemnity to one of rejoicing. This joy candle celebrates the birth of Jesus and reminds us to rejoice in the second coming of Christ. It is the transition I love and desperately need in my life. The joy candle reminds us to praise and worship, even when we are unsure of what is happening in the middle of our story, because we are assured that Jesus will return (Revelation 22:6-21).

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was no stranger to rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord, even in the unknown middle of her story. When Mary spoke or sang the words in The Magnificat, she didn’t know how Joseph or her family would react to the news of her immaculate conception. She was young and unwed, yet even without knowing all the details, she still glorified God. She only knew that what God had promised would come true —that she would give birth to the Messiah.

Friend, let’s use this season to prepare, to fill our oil lamps in hopeful anticipation (Matthew 25:1-13). Even as the darkness pushes toward us, we know our happy ending is coming. Like Mary, we can rejoice in eager anticipation for the arrival of our King.

Questions for Reflection:

1. What is your favorite part of the Advent season and why?

2. Are you in a season of major uncertainty? Sing a worship song, write in your journal, or pray out loud, and let the world know you will rejoice in God no matter your circumstances.

Please Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being the Light in my darkness. Help me to rejoice in Your goodness even when my circumstances are dismal.  Help me to hold onto Your promises and wait with eager expectancy for their fulfillment.  I am putting my whole trust in You and surrendering to Your plan. I know Your ways are higher than mine and better than anything I can imagine. You are so, so good and deserve all the glory. Amen.

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This devotional originally appeared on Crossmap's Daybreak Devotionals and Nighttime Prayers.