3 Day Devotional: Joy Prepares the Way - Day 3

Scripture Reading
Luke 1:17 (NIV)
And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the
parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a
people prepared for the Lord.

John 3:28–30 (NIV)
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.

Devotional Reflection
John understood his role. He was not the Savior — he was the one sent to point to the Savior.
And joy made that clarity possible.

Joy kept John from competing with Jesus. Joy allowed him to step back without insecurity. Joy made decreasing possible without resentment.

When John saw Jesus, joy reached its fulfillment. Not because John gained more influence, but because Jesus took center stage.

Joy always points beyond itself. Joy prepares the way because joy leads us to Jesus — the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When joy is doing its work, it shifts our focus away from ourselves and toward Christ.

Joy does not want the spotlight. Joy wants Jesus revealed.

Reflection Questions
 Where might God be inviting you to step back so Jesus can be seen more clearly?
 How does joy help you resist comparison or competition?
 In what ways is joy redirecting your attention toward Christ this Advent season?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being the center. Help me live with the kind of joy that points others to You. Let my life prepare the way for Your presence, and may You always increase as I learn to trust You more. Amen.