Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10, ESV
It's been a long time since I've been camping outdoors. But I do remember the still nights in front of a fire, staring up into the heavens and seeing the canopy of innumerable stars and the Milky Way. Now, place yourselves in that type of setting, but 2000 years ago on a hillside outside of Bethlehem. It's been a long, hard day. You and your fellow shepherds are ready for sleep, when the unexpected happens. An amazingly bright light. A host of beings that you've never seen before, all singing, and one among them telling you the news: in nearby Bethlehem is the a Savior, the Christ. Of course you'd be frightened at all of this, but the angel says to you to not be afraid, but instead, have great joy.
I think there's a great deal of confusion between joy and happiness. Happiness is fleeting: it can be swayed by life demands or hardships, or the pressures of work or school. It can be, and often is, highly dependent on others. But joy is deeper than happiness, because it's rooted in the nearness of God. Our relationship with God brings joy from within. A deep, meaningful relationship that is supported by prayer and time in His Word can provide us with great joy, even in the depths of sorrow or personal struggles. In fact, one of the most joyous persons I know is someone who is now, and has been, going through life struggles that might defeat others. But this person continues to praise God, and be joyful, and ask what needs others may have, despite all that they themselves are going through. That is Joy.
As we approach the end of the year, I look back and think of all the good things that happened, even with the challenges my wife and I have faced this year - sort of a gratitude list. And there is SO much for us to be thankful for, and that gives me, and us, great joy!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.
Just a thought: what brings YOU joy this Advent?
Follow John's Advent journey here on his blog, johnscoffeehouse.blogspot.com, or on Facebook, johnscoffeehouse.
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