Ascent 2025: Week 3 - Joy After the Crushing

Hello everyone!!

Happy third week of Advent!!

I pray that the first two weeks have brought you to a place where hope and joy have been tangible experiences with the Lord.

This week, I invite you to light the Joy candle alongside Hope and Peace, embracing the deep gladness that emerges not despite pressure, but through it, like oil flowing from crushed olives or new wine from pressed grapes, forging humility and unshakable strength.  

As you read this week`s daily reflections and journal the prompt, let joy transform crushing into anointing:

Day 1: Joy After the Press

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 - ESV version)

Crushing seasons, fatigue, loss, limits, release joy's oil only after the weight; God uses pressure to uproot self-reliance, birthing humility and fresh anointing for the journey ahead.

Name one "crushing" right now. Ask, "Lord, what oil flows from this?" Journal the shift.

Day 2: Humility in Hardship

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 - ESV version)

Humility trades illusion of control for God's strength, joy not in pretending pain away, but receiving power where weakness reigns, fueling resilience mid-press.

Confess one area of self-strength. Invite Nehemiah 8:10's joy to replace it with humble power.

Day 3: Choosing Joy, Not Pretending

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7- ESV version )

Joy holds tears and praise together. Through trials, faith is refined like gold in fire, becoming purer where humility meets heaven’s joy in the middle of life.

Hold one grief and one praise today. Whisper, thanks for refining the fire's glow.

Day 4: The Strength of Soft Hearts

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9  - ESV version)

Soft, humble hearts carry joy’s strength. When we let go of looking strong, God’s power moves freely—turning vulnerability into lasting strength.

Where do you hide weakness? Declare 2 Corinthians 12:9; feel joy's power, perfect it.

Day 5: Gratitude in Small Things

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18  - ESV version)

Small wins plant joy. Gratitude in hard moments grows humility and helps us notice God’s faithfulness in just enough, building strength we don’t even see yet.

List three small gratitudes today. Watch joy sprout from humble soil.

Day 6: Sharing Your Testimony

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25  - ESV version)

Joy multiplies in testimony, humbly sharing crush-to-oil stories inspires resilience in others, weaving community strength from personal pressing.

Share one "joy after crush" moment with a friend. Note their encouraged response.

Day 7: Joy for Others

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

Culminate: Joy burns brightest in God’s presence. I pray it over those in hidden crushing, may humility fuel an overflow for what’s ahead.

Pray joy over three people in hardship. Title your Week 3 growth (e.g., "Humble Oil Flows").

Worship Song

This week`s song is. "New Wine" by Hillsong United, embrace the bridge: "You're not wasted... God, let the good in me draw with love to the lost... Release the new wine."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ozGKlOzEVc

Simple Activities

• Gratitude Jar:Add daily thanks notes; read on Christmas for joy's harvest.  

• Generosity Seed: Gift time or resource from "first fruits," trusting joy's strength multiplies. (Malachi 3:10)

  
  

Closing Prayer

Week 3 Scriptures at a Glance

Key Verses 

Anchor James 1:2–4; Nehemiah 8:10; 1 Peter 1:6–7

Humility 2 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Overflow Hebrews 10:24–25; Psalm 16:11

Thank you for joining me this Advent season. May God shower you with His blessings, and I pray that you will encounter Him in new and meaningful ways along this journey.

With love,

Emmanuella