Joy to the World

 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  Luke 2:10-11

Today we light the third candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of joy.  Today’s verse is from the story of Jesus birth.  It is the birth announcement brought to the Shepherds in the fields.  The angels talk about the great joy that this announcement will bring to ALL the people.  This is news that had been anticipated for a very long time.

Joy means happy, delight, or rejoice, what things bring you joy during the Christmas season?  What did the angels mean when they said this news would bring great joy to all the people? Joy is different than happiness.  Happiness depends upon your circumstances, whereas joy is a condition that exists despite your circumstances.

So how do we cultivate an environment of joy in our lives?

•  Joy comes from spending time with our Savior– Psalm 16: 11 talks about finding joy in the presence of the Lord. I love having my Nativity set out at Christmas.  I have several of them, and they are the set up throughout my house. One way I spend time with God during Christmas is by meditating on the different elements of the Nativity.  For instance, imagining what Mary might have felt while carrying baby Jesus in her womb.  Or wondering how the Shepherds felt while following the star to Bethlehem.  So, whether it is reading the Bible, worshiping with songs or spending time in prayer, let’s make sure we are using this Advent season to take those holy pauses in our days to spend time with God.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

• Joy comes from spending time together – John writes in his letter to the local church about how he desires to spend face to face time with them. I have to admit as an introvert and a person who suffers from seasonal depression, this is very challenging for me.  I have to make sure I am making intentional plans to spend time, quality time, with my friends and family.  I think it is ok to not be the life of the party or to even skip the party entirely, but make sure you are not falling into an abyss of disengagement.  I love that John was so excited to see his friends and recognized quality time spent with his people would be what completed his joy!

I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink.  Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.  2 John 1:12

• Joy comes from giving to others – Whether it is Christmas Shoe Boxes, toys for the local toy drive or meals for shut-ins, most of us recognize the joy in giving to others.  I love the generosity I see in my community at Christmas time. However, I remember a time when I helped another person out with a generous gift of groceries, and their response was…..well, lukewarm at best.  Honestly, I was little angry about the response I got.  But later when I was processing the exchange, I felt God nudging me to examine my heart and my intent.  Once I got to the place where I could release my expectations and just assist the other person with the pure intention of just giving, the joy returned!

In all things, I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Acts 20:35

This week as you take that holy pause and spend time looking into the nativity scene, quiet your heart and let the joy seep into your soul. Let your heart beat to the Little Drummer Boy, sing glory to the Lord on High and don’t wish the season away from the manger.  I pray that you would find fresh wonder at the birth of our Messiah this year!

Heavenly Father, we sing joy to the world because you have come.  We sing glory to God in the highest.  We pray for peace on earth and good will towards men.  Thank you for filling our lives with a joy that can seep through any of our circumstances and overshadow any of our doubts.  We praise your holy name, Amen