Advent’s third week shifts our focus to joy—a deep, abiding gladness that transcends fleeting emotions and difficult circumstances. As we light the third candle, we are invited to reflect on how joy is not only a gift to be received but also a practice to be cultivated. It often emerges not in the absence of struggle but in the ways we choose to engage with life’s blessings and meaning.

Psychologically, joy aligns with behavioral activation, which encourages engagement in life-affirming activities to counter feelings of stagnation or low mood. Spiritually, joy grows through intentional practices like gratitude, rest, and delight—grounding us in the beauty of the present moment and the steady assurance of God’s care.

This Advent, let’s explore how nurturing joy can bring light and renewal to both our inner and outer lives.

Advent is a season of anticipation, reflection, and preparation—a time when we pause to reflect on the coming of Christ and what His arrival means for our lives. Each week of Advent invites us to focus on a central theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. These themes are not just spiritual principles but also deeply connected to our psychological well-being.

Over the four weeks of Advent, we’ll explore the intersection of these Advent themes with therapeutic practices and psychological insights. Each post delves into the unique spiritual and mental health implications of the week’s theme, offering practical ways to integrate them into your life. Our hope is that these reflections will help you move toward greater wholeness in mind, body, and spirit as you
journey through this sacred season.