Advent 2025 - Week 3: Preparing with Joy



Sunday, December 14 - Joy That Leaps Unexpectedly

Scripture: Luke 1:39-41
“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: Joy often comes in unexpected moments. Elizabeth’s baby leaped for joy at Mary’s greeting, a physical expression of the Spirit’s delight. Today, notice the moments when God’s joy is present, even in small or surprising ways. Joy can precede understanding—it doesn’t wait for perfect conditions.

Questions:
  • Where have you noticed small, surprising sparks of joy recently?
  • How might God be using ordinary moments to remind you of His presence?
Practice: Spend a few minutes reflecting on one unexpected moment of joy from the past week. Thank God for it and let it linger in your thoughts.



Monday, December 15 - Joy Shared, Joy Multiplied

Scripture: Luke 1:42-44
“In a loud voice Elizabeth exclaimed, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.’”

Reflection: Joy is relational. It spreads and magnifies when shared. Elizabeth’s joy overflowed in her words and her baby’s reaction. God’s gift of joy often travels through community, connection, and shared experience.

Questions:
  • How does your joy influence those around you?
  • Are there ways you can intentionally share or receive joy today?
Practice: Reach out to someone in your life and share a word of encouragement or gratitude. Notice how this simple act multiplies joy.



Tuesday, December 16 - A Soul That Sings with Joy

Scripture: Luke 1:46-47
“And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”

Reflection: Mary’s response to God’s favor was a song of joy. True joy begins in recognizing God’s hand in our lives and letting our spirits respond with praise. Reflect on what your soul would say if it could speak out in song today.

Questions:
  • What are you tempted to overlook in your daily life that God is blessing?
  • How can you cultivate a heart that rejoices consistently, not just in big moments?
Practice: Take a moment to write or speak aloud a short prayer of praise for something God has done this week.



Wednesday, December 17 - Joy Remembered and Treasured

Scripture: Luke 1:48-49
“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.”

Reflection: Joy deepens when we remember and treasure God’s faithfulness. Mary pondered the significance of what God was doing. In our own lives, we can pause to reflect on gifts we sometimes take for granted.

Questions:
  • What blessings are you tempted to overlook?
  • How can you intentionally ponder and treasure these gifts this week?
Practice: Set aside a few minutes to reflect silently on one or two ways God has been faithful to you. Consider journaling these reflections to revisit later.



Thursday, December 18 - The Joy That Trust Awakens

Scripture: Luke 1:45
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Reflection: Joy is rooted in trust. Belief in God’s promises opens the heart to inexpressible joy. Even amid uncertainty or challenge, joy grows when we trust God’s overarching plan.

Questions:
  • How does your belief in God’s promises shape your joy today?
  • Are there areas where you struggle to trust Him fully?
Practice: Name one promise of God in Scripture that resonates with you. Take a few moments to meditate on it, letting it settle in your heart and produce joy.




Friday, December 19 - The Joy of Joining God’s Work

Scripture: John 15:11
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Reflection: Jesus invites us into a joy that is complete, beyond circumstances. Joy is both a gift and a practice. Like Mary, we can ponder and treasure God’s goodness and also participate in His redemptive work, experiencing joy as we serve others.

Questions:
  • How do you experience joy when you participate in God’s work in the world?
  • What practical ways can you embrace or share this joy today?
Practice: Take a short action today that reflects God’s joy—help a neighbor, encourage a friend, or offer hospitality. Observe how this participation enhances your own joy.


Saturday, December 20 - Inexpressible Joy Rooted in Hope

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8-9
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Reflection: As we close the week, let joy be rooted in both memory and hope. Treasure the good gifts God has given you, and step into His redemptive story with trust and wonder. Joy is assured because God’s promises are true and His story is unfolding.

Questions:
  • How can you continue to treasure and savor God’s goodness in the coming week?
  • In what ways might you invite others into this joy?
Practice: Spend at least 12 seconds reflecting on a gift from God, letting it sink in. Thank Him, and consider sharing this reflection with someone in your family or community.



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