The third candle on the banner is labeled “rejoice.” The angels come to mind immediately. On the evening of Jesus birth, the whole company of angels appear to the shepherds in the hills above Bethlehem, Luke 2:13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” We join with them when we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her king.” Indeed, the birth of Christ gives us every reason to rejoice. For his coming into the world is the beginning of our salvation. This child born in Bethlehem would one day carry his own cross to Golgotha, be nailed to it, and die. He will die not for his mistakes but for ours, and through his death God forgives us all our sins. Of course, we rejoice at Christmas, but we will also rejoice when Jesus comes again. When that day comes many people will be scared. They will be terrified. They will be angry because they are going to hell for all eternity. You and I though are going to rejoice. We are going to rejoice because this sinful world will be destroyed. We are going to rejoice because Jesus is coming to take us to our eternal home with him forever. So, rejoice this Advent. Rejoice because your savior was born for you, rejoice because one day he will come back for you.