Week 3 of Advent- JOY

Week 3 and Candle 3 represent joy. The light of the Shepherds reminds us not to be afraid but to be joyful.

I’ve been thinking a lot this week about joy, what it is, and maybe more importantly, what it isn’t. What does it mean for someone to possess joy and how can someone obtain it? Many would say that having joy means one considers themselves happy. As I’ve been thinking about it, I would have to graciously disagree, at least when speaking about the type of joy that is talked about in scripture.

As I was looking at definitions for happiness, I found that happiness seems to depend on one’s contentment, pleasure, delight and satisfaction in the now. Whether that is by possessions, good fortune, attaining what seems good or even in those we love. Happiness is a great feeling to have, but it can also fade very quickly. Things come up, life happens, bad things take place, people hurt us and the happiness is gone as quick as it came. I’m sure almost all people desire to be happy. I love to be happy! But happiness doesn’t seem to be enough does it?

Joy however, seems to be much bigger and definitely better. From my own experience, I can say that when my world has been crashing in around me, when I’ve been heart broken and happiness is far, far away, I’ve still have joy. How? Because joy isn’t dependent on circumstances or people but on Love. I’m talking about perfect love, which is given to all who need and desire it by God! Joy isn’t a fleeting feeling but a gift that is solid, hopeful and lasting because the peace of God sustains it. It is a glorious thing!

Like I said, Joy is a gift! God offers Joy to all in the gift of His Son Jesus.

Luke 2:8-10 says,

“And in that 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 fear. And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people.”

We’ve all hear it said this time of year that it is better to give than to receive. The reality is that God is calling all of us to receive His gift. The first Christmas was about God offering us a gift of hope, love, joy and peace. The gift’s name was, and still is, Jesus. I pray that this Christmas, you will know God’s great joy and gladly receive it.