Mother and Child Joyfully Opening Gifts in front of Decorated Christmas Tree

Advent Week 3: Choosing Joy When the Season Feels Full

By the time we reach Week 3 of Advent, the pace of the season often feels anything but joyful. The calendar is full, the to-do list seems never-ending, and the pressure to make Christmas feel magical and “perfect” can quietly drain the joy right out of our days. Many of us find ourselves rushing from one obligation to the next, juggling family needs, traditions, and expectations while our own hearts feel tired and stretched thin. In the midst of all the busyness, joy can start to feel like just another thing we’re supposed to produce rather than something we’re meant to receive.

Yet Advent gently invites us to slow down and shift our focus. It reminds us that biblical joy isn’t rooted in everything going smoothly, but in the steady, hope-filled assurance of WHO IS COMING! Joy is not dependent on clean kitchens, completed lists, or perfect moments—it is found in the presence of Christ, entering our mess, our waiting, and our everyday lives.

This week, we focus on Joy, not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deep, steady confidence rooted in God’s promises.

Week 3 Memory Verse

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“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4

Lord, help me to experience true joy—not based on circumstances, but rooted in You. When life feels busy or heavy, remind me that You are near, Your promises are sure, and Your peace guards my heart. ~Amen.

Joy That Springs From Hope

Isaiah 35:1–10

Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of joy blooming in unexpected places. The wilderness rejoices. Dry land bursts into life. Weak hands are strengthened, fearful hearts are encouraged, and sorrow gives way to singing. This joy doesn’t come because everything is already fixed—it comes because God is on the move.

As moms, we often feel like we’re living in the “in-between”—waiting for prayers to be answered, for seasons to shift, for strength to return. Isaiah reminds us that joy can exist even here. God specializes in bringing life to places that feel dry, worn out, or overlooked.

Joy That Overflows in Praise

Luke 1:46–55

Mary’s song, often called the Magnificat, is a beautiful and powerful expression of joy that is deeply rooted in trust. When Mary lifted her voice in praise, very little about her situation felt secure or predictable. She was young, facing uncertainty, potential misunderstanding, and a future she could not fully see. Yet instead of fear or doubt, her response was worship. Mary’s joy did not come from having answers or knowing how everything would unfold—it came from her confidence in God’s faithfulness. She rejoiced not because her circumstances suddenly became easy, but because she trusted that God’s Word would be fulfilled, just as He had promised. Her praise reminds us that true joy often begins with faith—choosing to believe God’s promises even when the path ahead feels unclear.

This kind of joy teaches us that praise isn’t reserved for moments when life feels settled. Sometimes praise is an act of faith—choosing to rejoice in who God is and what He has promised, even when we don’t yet see the outcome.

Joy That Grows Through Waiting

James 5:7–10

Waiting rarely feels joyful, especially in motherhood. James encourages believers to be patient, like a farmer waiting for the harvest. Joy often grows quietly, beneath the surface, as we trust God’s timing.

This passage reminds us that joy is strengthened when we remain faithful in the waiting—when we choose perseverance, gentleness, and hope instead of frustration or comparison. Advent itself is a season of waiting, teaching us that God is always at work, even when the fruit hasn’t yet appeared.

Joy Guarded by God’s Peace

Philippians 4:4–7

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” Paul’s words feel bold—and maybe even unrealistic—until we read what follows. We are invited to bring everything to God in prayer. And in exchange, we are promised peace that guards our hearts and minds.

This joy is closely tied to peace—the kind of peace that doesn’t depend on everything around us being calm or predictable. It isn’t loud, it isn’t frantic, nor is it fleeting. Instead, it is quiet and steady, anchored in the presence of God and protected by Him. This peace doesn’t ignore our worries; it meets us right in the middle of them. When we bring our concerns—about our families, finances, health, schedules, or even the pressure of the holidays—before the Lord, we are invited to release the weight we were never meant to carry. In exchange, God offers a peace that guards our hearts and minds, creating space for joy to remain even when life feels uncertain. It’s a gentle reminder that joy can coexist with responsibility, waiting, and even hardship when our trust rests in Him.

A Gentle Invitation for This Week

This week of Advent, joy doesn’t require adding more to your plate. It might look like:

Choosing gratitude in a small, ordinary moment
Pausing to pray instead of rushing ahead
Letting go of expectations and embracing what is
Taking a deep breath and remembering that God is near
Saying “no” to something so you can say “yes” to rest
Finding joy in a quiet moment with your children
Releasing comparison and focusing on your own family’s season
Trusting God with the things you cannot control
Allowing yourself to enjoy simple moments without guilt
Remembering that joy is a gift to receive, not a task to complete

Joy grows when we fix our eyes on Jesus—the One who came to bring good news, freedom, healing, and lasting hope.

Reflection Question

Where can you invite God’s joy into your everyday moments this week?