Advent Week 3: Joy

Today, we light a candle that will be pink. It will represent what was once dark is now getting lighter--the anticipation of Christmas is upon us. Recently I read a sign that said “The first Christmas was simple, don’t worry if yours is.” As we all know Christmas is a time of hustle and bustle, we are re-arranging our to do lists, we are trying to get in as many family gatherings as possible as well as many gatherings with friends. Most likely we are attempting to get all the gifts on a list. Maybe you are even getting a bit Scrooge like and everywhere you go, you are greeted with a hearty “Merry Christmas!” And you mutter something back like “Yeah Happy Holidays to you, bah humbug!” Or maybe it’s just me… 

One of my favorite childhood Christmas songs, by Andy Williams, says 

It's the most wonderful time of the yearWith the kids jingle bellingAnd everyone telling you be of good cheerIt's the most wonderful time of the year

Yet at Christmas, as an adult, it is hard for me to come by joy—real joy. Not those feel good feelings, but genuine joy. And recently, I was reading a blog by Fr. Billy Swan, he reminded me that for some the irony is that the joy of Advent and Christmas is hard to come by.  He goes on to say "Part of the reason why many of us struggle to find joy at Christmas is because we confuse joy with feeling good. In the world of advertising which peaks at times like Christmas, we are encouraged to feel good all the time and to get whatever it takes to make our lives happier. The truth is that no amount of material things, stimulants, or comforts can compensate for a lack of joy that many experience in the depths of their soul. The source of our joy is not in what we have. It lies in “Emmanuel,” the name which means “God is with us” (cf. Matt. 1:23)."

In continuing my study of joy, I was reminded that Biblical joy is different than what most people think of as joy. It is not just a happy emotion that we either feel or don’t feel, it is a state of being that finds its source in God. The Bible is clear that joy comes from God (Neh. 8:9-10), and our joy is a product of what God has done and continues to do. It is gladness and contentedness flowing out of the well-spring of God’s faithfulness and mercy, quite independent of our circumstances. The Psalmist writes, “Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it...Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness” (Psalm 96:11-13). Isaiah declares, “Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on them in their suffering” (Isaiah 49:13).

This week however, I have taken time to really reflect on Christmas. I have a very simple handblown Christmas nativity globe. So simple in fact that it’s easy just to walk past it and not really give thought as to what it may be. Yet, for Christians, our joy is anchored in the fact that God fulfilled His promise in a small baby, born in a lowly manager to be our Messiah and King. Maybe take some time to really ponder the Nativity, let your heart pause with thankfulness as you prepare for Christmas. Look at the manger scene with the fresh wonder of all He is to you. Let joy seep into the changes of your life. No need or change that you face will not be met by Him. He is so much more than just a baby! Invite Him into your changes! Let joy fill your soul. 

Our week 3 advent prayer: Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.