Answer: "the certificate, with its glowing gold and crimson seal, felt like a blazing sword lighting the path before me."
Out of all the sentences, this is the one that has both elements of joy and of accomplishment. It also contains a promise for the future.
The first sentence conveys some nervousness and anxiety, not joy. The second one, though it has some joy on the side of the family, still conveys nervousness. The third one shows joy fully. However, it does not portray the certificate in a good light. It feels "heavy." It does not imply happiness or hope for the future.