Advent Joy

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 ESV).

 

Notice the angel’s message to the shepherds in our reading today. While they were “filled with fear”, the angel said, “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy.” Advent joy is the deep, lasting spiritual delight believers find in the promise of Jesus' arrival and God's enduring presence, distinct from fleeting happiness, often symbolized by the pink candle during the third week (also known as Gaudete Sunday) as a call to rejoice in the nearness of the Savior, rooted in thankfulness and future hope. It's a resilient joy, found even in suffering, stemming from trusting God's faithfulness and promise of ultimate redemption.

 

Embracing joy starts with recognizing the profound difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy. While happiness usually describes a feeling based on external circumstances, joy is a deeper, more resilient state rooted in faith and the assurance of God’s presence, regardless of what’s happening around us.

 

Advent joy reminds Christians that true joy is found in the promises and coming of Christ. This lasting joy provides comfort and strength even in times of struggle. James described this reality: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Now, that’s a different perspective than how we tend to think about joy and happiness.

 

Biblical joy is not just a feeling but a practice. During this Advent season, perhaps you could create a gratitude journal to help shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to the abundance of God’s gifts. Engaging in acts of service, such as volunteering at our church or helping a neighbor, can also bring us great joy and fulfillment. By embracing these practices each day, we can experience a more profound, lasting joy that resonates throughout the Advent season and beyond.