3rd Advent Candle: Joy in Believing

“Seeing is believing, but, sometimes, the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

Polar Express

¹³ But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. ¹⁴ And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Luke 1:13-14

Do you believe?

We have one of those decorative wooden signs in our shop window that says BELIEVE. Instead of do you believe, I think the greater question is what do you believe. This time of year there are all kinds of traditions and myths that are celebrated now, but the key to joy is believing in the real reason for the season, the true Christmas miracle.

Seeing is Believing

In the movie Polar Express, the main character is a boy disturbed by his fear that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. He goes back and forth between facts in his encyclopedia and the desire in his heart to believe. When he finally sees Santa Claus at the North Pole, he finally believes. He is full of joy for the rest of his life.

In the same way, Zacharias was afraid to believe the good news the angel delivers: his wife will bear a son. To the octogenarian, it was a wonderful idea, but he was afraid it was too good to be true. The consequence was he was unable to speak until the child was born.

I think we all struggle with this at times. We want to see the proof before we believe. With so many false stories, altered pictures and videos, and scams out there, we have become a bit cynical. However, if we lose our ability to believe, we also lose our joy.

Believing is Seeing

⁴⁴ For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

Luke 1:44-45

While Zacharias doubted, Mary believed. When the angel told her she would bear a son even though she was a virgin, she had some questions, which is understandable. But once the angel gave his explanation, her response was wonder. She said, “So let it be.” Then, she rushed over to see her cousin Elizabeth.

When Mary walked in the room, Elizabeth’s baby jumped for joy in her womb. The baby couldn’t see yet, but he sensed the presence of God who hadn’t even been born into the world. Elizabeth says Mary will be blessed because she believed what the angel told her.

Just Believe

Josh Groban sings the song Believe in the movie Polar Express, and it basically says when we believe, then we will have everything we need. Believing in the Christ child’s birth is all we need to have true joy in our hearts. Because when we believe and put our faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit shows us the truth. We can see because we believe. That is the joy of Christmas.

Related Posts: Advent: Hope Instead of Fear and Advent Candle 2

What I’m Reading:

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