Christmas! The very word brings joy to our hearts.
Joan Winmill Brown
The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. Advent, meaning “Coming,” is a time of expectant waiting and preparation. Anticipating and preparing – for Joy and with Joy.
Indeed, Joy overflows the narrative. Gabriel tells Zechariah, “Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son and you are to name him John. His birth will bring you much joy and gladness. Many will rejoice because of him.” Luke 1: 13b-14 The Passion Translation
When Mary came to visit, “Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” Luke 1:42-45 New Living Translation (The word “blessed” has often been translated as “happy.”)
In response, Mary sings, “My soul is ecstatic, overflowing with praises to God! My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God! For he set his tender gaze upon me, his lowly servant girl. And from here on, everyone will know that I have been favored and blessed.” Luke 1:46-48 TPT
All these were waiting for (two!) babies and for the Messiah. All waited with anticipation of promises.
And there was great Joy when the promises were fulfilled!
The Angel said, “I have come to bring you good news, the most joyous news the world has ever heard! And it is for everyone everywhere!” (Luke 2:10 TPT), then tells the shepherds where to find that Joy. And, “The shepherds returned to their flock, ecstatic over what had happened.“ Luke 2:20a TPT
When the star reappeared over Bethlehem, the Wise Men “were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.” Matthew 2:9-10 TPT
In 2020, Joy is in short supply. Perhaps this is the time to seek and find it anew.
Because, if not now, when?
The fullness of Joy is to behold God in everything.
Julian of Norwich
