Advent: Week Three: Joy
My son is almost 18 months old. I have said from the day he was born that he is the definition of pure joy. Joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion; he embodies it. His joy isn’t based on monetary or temporal things (although these things may elicit small moments of happiness). No, you see, his joy goes deeper; it is deeper. It is foundational to his being. It is something I have prayed over him from the moment I found out I was pregnant. “God, give him joy. Let him be joyful”. And he is. His smile is electric, his giggles are contagious.
Perhaps this was part of God’s intent in sending His Son in the form of a baby. God knew that babies bring a kind of joy unlike anything else on this earth; it’s supernatural. The news of Jesus’ birth brought heavenly joy to the world. A joy that we can participate in. A joy that can completely change our lives and the lens through which we approach the world.
Advent joy celebrates the life and salvation we have in Jesus. It calls us to a profound understanding of God’s character and His grace. Our joy comes from realizing the safety and freedom we have in the Father. Unlike bursts of happiness, joy is sustaining, not momentary or circumstantial. The character of God is unyielding and unchanging. Joy is built upon the solid, firm foundation of Christ. It comforts us and meets us where we are.
Joy comes from the culmination of hope and peace. Joy is produced in the anticipation of our hopes fulfilled and the assurance that God will fulfill those hopes, giving us prevailing peace. Together, anticipation and assurance create joy within us. Joy demands action from us. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Each day is a gift. It is one step closer to the fulfillment of the promise we have been eagerly waiting for, towards the end of our in-between Advent.
There are many hardships, struggles, losses, and pains on this side of eternity. We are living in a broken and suffering world after all. In this world, there isn’t much hope, there isn’t much peace, and there isn’t much joy. But in our suffering, we can to cling to hope, hold fast to the assurance of peace, and offer up joyful praises to our God. Even when circumstances are difficult or we are undergoing trials and persecution, we are called to rejoice. This day, whatever may be happening, it is a gift, an opportunity.
For so many, the holiday season can carry pain and sorrow. Focusing on joy as a theme during Advent can feel less than authentic. Joy doesn’t mean plastering on a happy face and acting cheerful. We are allowed to feel, allowed to struggle. Jesus wants to meet us where we are this holiday season, and every season. He wants to hold you, walk with you, and praise with you. Jesus is joy, and joy is steadfast. It is constant. It is deep in our hearts, in our bones, reminding us that we belong to a mighty God, even when we question Him. Joy comes from understanding the attributes of our God and the grace that we are so undeserving of. Joy pulls us from our pain while also allowing us to grieve.
So in this Advent season, if you feel you are ruining God’s party, come. Whatever burdens are making your heart too heavy, come. If the exhaustion of the world is weighing you down, come. If you are tired and your soul weary, come. Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, come. Because this God, this unchanging, unyielding God, this grace-filled God, is waiting for you. Come rest and find joy in the promises of Jesus.
P.S. If you find yourself struggling this season, know you are in my heart. Thank you so much to those of you who have joined me in meditating on the themes of Advent. It has been such a privilege to celebrate with you this season. Next week, we will focus on the last theme, love.
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Beautiful! 💜