Third Sunday of Advent - Joy

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:10-11 KJV

Joy is a prominent theme of Christmas. Not only do we have the angels proclaiming joy to the shepherds, but our Christmas carols and hymns are peppered with the word "Joy": "O tidings of comfort and joy". "Joy to the World!" 

Joy is also referenced frequently in scripture: Galatians 5:22 speaks of joy as one of the fruits of the Spirit; the Psalms are sprinkled with the word "joy" throughout; Matthew's Gospel shares that the Magi rejoiced "with exceeding great joy" when they saw the star (Matthew 2:10); and Hebrews tell us that Christ, who for the "joy that was set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).  

What is joy? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness". Yet I wonder how joyous our Advent and Christmas seasons are. We get so wrapped up (pun intended) in the trappings of the season: decorating; gift-buying; Christmas cards; baking; singing or attending Christmas concerts for our kids, friends, or ourselves. We get so busy at Christmas that the joy of the season eludes us. 

Look at the shepherds in Luke chapter 2. They were watching their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. It was night. They may have been asleep, or perhaps a few were still awake, keeping a close eye for nocturnal predators. But they were resting, or at least still. And suddenly "there was with angels a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" Luke 2:13-14. 

I know for many of us, reducing our holiday obligations may not be easy. We may have a couple of family events, or for my singing friends, paying gigs that are needed for financial support. We may be having to work on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. We may be hard-pressed to find that "perfect gift" for a spouse or partner. 

But the Joy of Christmas will be best-served if we follow the example of the shepherds, and still our hearts for that unexpected Joy that comes from living the Advent and Christmas seasons in our hearts. 

Soli Deo Gloria