Advent Joy

Advent Joy Devotional: Preparing for His Coming

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Advent Joy

Joy to the world, the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Perhaps you have already sung or hummed this popular hymn this Christmas. Isaac Watts wrote these lyrics in 1719. Over 300 years later, it is still a favourite Christmas carol. Maybe because of the jubilant and rousing melody paired with it in 1839 by Lowell Mason.

However much we may enjoy this or other Christmas songs, it's nothing compared to what some shepherds in a field experienced after an angel informed them of the "good news of great joy": the birth of the long-awaited Messiah.

"...a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:13-14).

The angels responded with joyful praise, and the shepherds responded with action. They went to seek out the baby whose birth was proclaimed by angels and called "Christ the Lord". And after finding Him, they returned to their jobs "glorifying and praising God" (see Luke 2:20). It does not stop there. Because of this special birth, we celebrate Christmas. We have cause to rejoice as we think about the arrival of the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. We have more information about this King than the shepherds did because we can read about His life, death, and resurrection. We know it means we can be right with God. That peace between God and us should make us seek Him out in the Word and in our lives. It should make us jump for joy and sing praises to God.

This "joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory" (1 Peter 1:8) is more than a smile or a good mood. It flows from the presence of Jesus, fills our hearts, and helps us to endure hardships and persevere through various trials. Why? Because not only can we look back with joy from knowing that Jesus came to save us from our sin and reconcile us with God the Father. We can also look forward with great joy because one day Jesus will come to earth again and take us to heaven. The ups and downs of life are merely temporary; the losses, the heartbreaks, the challenges, the pain will all fade to nothing one day. Holding on to that strengthens us today.

So as you navigate the ups and downs of this season, and of life, hold on to the joy wrapped up in the coming of Jesus as a baby. And rejoice at His soon and very soon return as a triumphant King!

Write the Scriptures: Advent Joy

These seven verses will help you reflect on the Advent theme of joy:

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. (Matthew 2:10)

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

"Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20)

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9)

Prayer of Joy at Advent

May you reflect on, receive, and rejoice in the Advent of Jesus. May you be strengthened with His enduring joy and delight in His presence. In Jesus' Name, Amen