Joy

Advent is a season of waiting that leads not to despair, but to joy. In Zephaniah 3:14–20, God speaks a promise of reversal: fear is removed, shame is lifted, exiles are gathered, and the Lord Himself comes to dwell among His people. This is not joy born from easy circumstances, but joy rooted in God’s nearness—so deep that God rejoices over His people with singing. As we light the Candle of Joy, we remember that Advent joy rises from the certainty that God is coming to restore what was broken and bring His people home.