“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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 Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”(Luke 2:8-11)
The third candle is the light of joy. At Christmas we sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come,” joyfully celebrating Jesus’ first coming. In the middle of the night, while watching their flock, the shepherds encounter angels who announce the joyful news of a Saviour's birth. It is these very shepherds who are the first to pay a visit to Jesus. Although the Hebrews anticipated a Saviour, they probably assumed he would come as a mighty King, demonstrating his authority, power and majesty, not as a fragile baby, lying in a manger, visited by shepherds. However, this little baby is our Saviour, bringing salvation and joy for all the people. These humble circumstances in which Jesus entered the world are a reminder that our joy is not defined by circumstance, but that He is the source of our joy and we can be joyful in all situations.
JOY.
Joy is more than momentary happiness. It is not determined by our circumstances, our belongings, our success, our status or our wealth. It stems from God’s presence in our lives, knowing that by His grace we are saved. Knowing that we can trust in Him regardless of our circumstances. “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid…Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”(Isaiah 12:2-3) We do not need to be afraid and we can rejoice in the promise of salvation and eternal life.
How can we find joy this advent, when there are so many hardships?
2020 has been a difficult year. Many people have encountered loss, illness, unemployment, depression, isolation, fear, failed relationships, broken dreams, separation from family. COVID19 has shaken the world to its core. Yet, in the midst of the hardships, I am convinced it is possible to find joy. We simply need to look to Jesus, the source of our joy.
In Jesus’ darkest moments, hours before His death, “He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples...” (Luke 22:19) “Eucharisteo” is the Greek word for “he gave thanks”. Charis means grace and chara means joy. Through “Eucharisteo”, thanksgiving, we can find grace and joy.
We are told to rejoice, pray and give thanks. Not sometimes, but always. Continually. In all circumstances. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
During advent and beyond, remember to fix your eyes on Jesus, give thanks and pursue joy. Focus on the many blessings in life that He has given you, whether that is health, connecting with family through social media, the beauty of flowers, birds, sunsets and rainbows, provision of food and shelter, friendships, work or simply being alive. May you experience renewed joy this advent through the deep assurance that you are saved by grace through faith in Jesus.
Rejoice always.
O Come Emmanuel.
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