If you take the time to listen, you’ll begin to hear the angelic proclamation: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people... a Savior has been born to you.”
- Honest Advent
This is the third week of Advent, which means it’s the second half of the season. Does the fact that we’re inching closer and closer to Christmas spark joyful anticipation for you? Or does the countdown elicit some panic as you think of all that you’d still like to accomplish before the 25th? What brings you joy right now?
Happiness is a lovely thing, but fleeting. That reality can leave people chasing the feeling, stuck in nostalgia, or steeled against the feeling so as not to be left abandoned by it. Happiness is wholly dependent on outside circumstances beyond our control. But joy is the byproduct of transformation, wholly dependent on our inward posture. Feeling joy isn’t required for acknowledging that there is real, genuine joy found in God’s never-changing love for us.
May we enjoy the trappings of the season, but may we not be overcome- or undone- by it. Happiness is not a guaranteed outcome no matter how many presents are under the tree or how well the holiday party goes. We can welcome joy into our lives, even when we may not feel quite ready, deserving, or willing. There is joy simply by entrusting our lives to the God who loves us and cares for us.
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 Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12 NIV
We often depend on faith, because it is hard to trust that there is unseen goodness and glory at work. May you be given the eyes to see all the unexpected messengers carrying good news of great joy in the world today. I hope that you find joy in the coming Hope of the World. And that such knowledge instills in you the good news that lights the world.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
With great joy,
Jordyn
Devotions this season are inspired by 2020 Advent lessons adapted from Shadow and Light by Tsh Oxenreider and In Light and Darkness published by Illustrated Ministries. Aspects of the Sunday church service and the book Honest Advent that we used in Thursday night bible study were also referenced this week.