Advent – Joy
Joy is a dominant theme during the Christmas season. After all, what did the angel say in announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11? “But the angel said to them, ’Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” This was indeed a reason for joy because the one the prophets had spoken of, the long-awaited Messiah, had come. The light of Christ has come to overcome the darkness of sin.
Paul also tells us in Galatians 5:22 that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Joy is a by-product of yielding our lives to the Holy Spirit. Joy is indeed a gift, but it must be cultivated. If we want to see joy grow in our lives, we must allow the Holy Spirit to prune away whatever might be hindering it from growing.
But let me also say that I understand that depression is very real, and even believers can struggle with it for various reasons. It is very hard to be joyful when we are in a state of depression. I also understand that for many people the Christmas season is not a joyful time because they may be dealing with loneliness due to divorce, a death, or other circumstances. But is it possible to still have joy?
I believe it is, but we must first understand the difference between joy and happiness. Joy and happiness are different because they each come from a different source. Happiness comes from the world around me. Joy originates directly from the Spirit of the living God. Happiness is conditioned by and often dependent upon what is “happening” to me. If people treat me well, if things are going well in my life, then I’m happy. If my circumstances aren’t favorable, then I’m unhappy. Joy, on the other hand, transcends the events and disasters that may come into the lives of God’s people. Joy has a divine dimension that is not dependent on circumstances. Henri Nouwen said, “We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”
I want to mention a couple of actions you can take to help cultivate joy in your life:
1) Recognize God as joyful. Recognizing God as a God of joy will be helpful in maintaining our own joy. Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” This verse clearly tells us that God is a God of joy and that He rejoices over you. Sometimes our view of God can affect our joy. If you think that you will never measure up, or that you are always disappointing God, please remember this verse and remind yourself that God is a God of joy.
2) Stay connected with other believers. Romans 12:15 challenges us to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” We are not able to do this unless we are connected to other believers through a church family. Fellowship with other believers helps us maintain our joy.
Wishing you a joyful Christmas season!
Pastor Randy Brown
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