Advent Reflections:
The Joy Found in Jesus
During this Advent season, the theme of joy seems especially difficult to grasp. In these times of uncertainty and unrest, it can be hard to believe that real, lasting joy is even possible. But God’s Word tells us again and again that eternal joy comes through Him alone – no matter our circumstances here on earth.
So as we embark on Week 3 in our journey towards Christmas Day by reflecting on the Joy found through Jesus Christ, let us draw ourselves closer to His will for our lives so that we can experience a greater sense of hope and peace in knowing He is with us always.
Joy Rooted in Faith
The Bible teaches us that joy is more than just a feeling of happiness; it is an emotion rooted in faith. Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23 that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…” Joy is thus about finding strength and contentment even in difficult times. It enables us to experience God’s presence in our lives despite any hardships and circumstances we are facing.
Joy is an emotion that exists far beyond our earthly realm; it is the fruit of faith and the Spirit of God. Joy penetrates even the darkest and most difficult of times, enabling us to feel a sense of contentment in knowing that God is always with us. It allows us to recognize His divine presence in everything we experience and embrace Him as our source of strength.
Joy gives us hope that life can be full despite any hardships we might face, and this joy rooted in faith gives us peace. As Paul exhorts in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!” May we each have Joy abide in our hearts as evidence of the incredible power embedded within faith.
Joy Proclaimed by the Angels
In Luke 2:10, when angels announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the fields, they proclaimed: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people.”
The announcement in Luke 2:10 of Jesus’ birth brought a message of real joy – not fleeting convenience or pleasure. Joy that God, in His love and mercy, had come to redeem us from sin and death. Joy that has the potential to overcome any grief and sorrow we experience in life.
This is the Joy that only drawing near to God through believing in Jesus as our Lord and Savior can bring – Joy for all people! We can trust God and His promises, no matter what lies ahead. He has already come rescuing us with Joy so our hope is always secure. Let us release our fears and cling fast to this Joy, knowing it originated from an everlasting Love beyond compare!
Joy Promised by the Prophets
In the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7), God promised a Messiah who would bring peace and justice to all people: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government there shall be no end…”
Joy and celebration reverberate through the pages of Isaiah at the promise of a Messiah who will bring peace and deliverance to those in need. The messiah, as explained in Isaiah 9:6-7, is described as having “unending strength,” as well as “wisdom and knowledge.”
This aspect of unending strength brings great comfort and hope to those looking for a source of protection in times of strife or tragedy. Furthermore, this same strength provides joy to those who find it difficult to navigate life’s ever-changing trajectory; for just like the messiah offers constant endurance, so does the joy that follows in his wake.
No matter what may come or go, this joy has an everlasting capacity to sustain and surround us. This is Joy that many believe makes celebrating life even brighter when shared with all its inhabitants in kindness and service. This is Joy that instills hope with every new day that we are presented with – reminding us all why rejoicing in the Lord is so important.
Conclusion
As we reflect on Advent this year let us remember that Jesus offers us real and lasting joy unlike anything else this world has to offer (Psalm 16:11). We can draw closer to Him by spending time with Him through prayer and reading His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we do this let us ask Him for wisdom so that we may walk faithfully according to His will (James 1:5) and receive greater understanding about how He desires for us to live out His commands so that we may truly rejoice in Him always (1 John 5:3).
Are you looking to further your Biblical knowledge? Check out this post of my favorite Bible Study tools, to help you find where the Joy really is!
Want to read the Bible in a year but not sure where to start? I highly recommend the Bible Recap Podcast!
