Joy

As we enter this third week of Advent, we draw ever closer to Christmas morning and our celebration of Jesus's birth. Each day, our longing and expectation grow.

If you are lighting Advent candles, this week you will notice that your candles are gaining brightness. The one candle you started with just a few weeks ago emitted a little light, but now, with three candles, the light is more radiant. Imagine all the candles burning around the globe and the multitude of light that grows brighter each week!

In a season that has felt especially dark, our hearts yearn for the light. We hunger for it to illuminate all the broken places and long for the day when all things are made new. We cling to the words of Revelation 22:20: "The one who gives this testimony says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus."

On the night Jesus was born, a group of shepherds sat watching their sheep when they suddenly heard the angelic proclamation that Jesus had come.

Luke 2:10-11
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 Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

The shepherds hurried off to find this baby, holding onto the angel's words - "good news of great joy that will be for all the people." I imagine those shepherds had so many questions, but after all they had seen, they hurried to tell everyone what had happened.  

Later in Luke 2, we read that Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day and then brought to the temple with his family after the 40th day, all of which was in accordance with Leviticus 12. A man named Simeon, who was awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, had been led by the Spirit to the temple that same day.

Simeon was described as righteous, devout, and waiting for God to comfort Israel. God, through the Holy Spirit, had promised Simeon that he would see the Messiah before he died. That day in the temple, Simeon recognized Jesus and took him in his arms and proclaimed these words: 

Luke 2:29-32
"Now, master, you are dismissing your servant in peace, just as you said. These eyes of mine have seen your salvation, which you made ready in the presence of all peoples: a light for revelation to the nations, and glory for your people Israel."

Simeon, understanding Jesus was the Messiah Israel had been waiting for, continued speaking to Mary about her son and foretold how Jesus would impact Israel and the world.

Also at the temple that day was a widow named Anna. According to Luke 2, she had been married for 7 years, but after the death of her husband, she remained at the temple the rest of her days, worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer. Anna also recognized Jesus that day and told everyone about him, saying he was the redemption of Israel.

Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, Simeon, and Anna were all changed when they encountered Jesus. Joy rose within them as they looked upon the Messiah. They saw beyond his age and understood his identity. May we also understand that our joy is not in temporary things, but in our Savior. A Savior who came two thousand years ago and a Savior who will one day come again. A Savior who currently reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and is not surprised by one thing happening around us. A Savior who loves us, grieves with us, speaks to us, and walks with us. Our joy is made complete, not because the world around us is going perfectly, but because we know Jesus and in him, we experience the fullness of joy.

Take a minute to read this hymn written in 1907. May it stir joy in you this week. 

The Hymn of Joy - Henry van Dyke

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
 
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
 
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
 
Thou our father Christ our brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
 
Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life. 


~  Melissa