Day 15: Joy
“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 Christ, the Lord.”
Luke 2:9-11
When the angel appeared to the
shepherds they were filled with fear. The Greek translation is literally, “they
feared a great fear”. But the angel’s words to them – the Good News – made great
fear become great joy. The Good News brings great joy!
During Advent we celebrate with joy
Christ’s first coming – His coming in the flesh to walk and live among us.
During Advent we also look forward with joy, anticipating Christ’s second
coming, “looking forward to [the promised] new heaven and
new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)
This is the rhythm of Advent, a
movement through the season that enables us to focus on the promises of God
fulfilled in the Messiah – the one who comes to bring salvation. As we journey
through the Christmas story, the story of the first Advent, we witness that the
greatest response to the coming of Christ was joy.
We experience Mary’s joy in response to having
been chosen to bear God’s child: “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” Luke 1:46-47
We experience the response of joy from the
Magi: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house,
they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.
Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11
And again, experience the joy of the heavenly
hosts singing at Jesus’ birth: “Suddenly
a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to
those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14
“Good news that will cause great joy for all people!”
A Savior has been born! Jesus, the one who
would save people from their sins, has come to earth. Joy has come to us! Emmanuel
has come – God is with us. This is the Good News we still
celebrate! Joy is at the heart of the life of the Christ-follower, for joy
is our response to God’s love and His gracious gift of salvation through His
Son Jesus Christ.
"Those who have been ransomed by
the Lord will return.
They will
enter Jerusalem singing,
crowned with
everlasting joy.
Sorrow and mourning will disappear,
and they will
be filled with joy and gladness."
Isaiah 35:10 (NLT)
“Joy to the World” The Lord has come!
Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing.”
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