Joy in the waiting: Sharing living water through compassion

Key Verse: "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." — Isaiah 12:3

Advent invites us to rediscover joy—not just as a feeling, but as an outflow of God’s work in our lives and the lives of others. This week, we reflect on the joy that comes when love transforms into action, as seen through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

Meet Janet, a young mother in Ghana whose life overflowed with struggles until she encountered a vocational training institute run by local Nazarene churches. There, Janet learned baking and financial management, turning her struggles into hope-filled opportunities. Today, she provides for her family, pays for her children’s education, and dreams of opening a pastry shop.

Janet’s story reminds us that joy is contagious. It begins with the love of Christ, flows into our hearts, and overflows as acts of compassion that uplift others. When we give to programs like the 2024 Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Christmas Project, we extend God’s joy to women like Janet and their families, empowering them to thrive.

Isaiah’s words call us to draw deeply from the wells of salvation, where joy springs up even in the waiting. When we serve others with the love of Christ, we become vessels of that living water, bringing renewal and joy to the world.

This Advent, let’s embody the joy of Christ by being His hands and feet. Whether through giving, serving, or encouraging, we can make a difference. Visit ncm.org/christmas to learn more and share in this life-giving work.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from Your salvation. Help us to share that joy through acts of love and compassion, bringing hope to those in need. Amen.

Let’s continue to share the joy of Christ this Advent season. To learn more or to give specifically to projects like this, visit ncm.org/christmas.