Advent is a season of great joy! But joy is not the same as happiness. In Scripture, joy is a deep, abiding sense of gladness that comes from God’s presence and His promises, regardless of our circumstances. Happiness on the other hand is often shallow and fleeting, dependent on external factors and emotions that rise and fall with life’s highs and lows. The psalmist declares, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence” (Psalm 16:11). This joy is not dependent on earthly success or comfort but is anchored in the unchanging nature of who God is and what He has done.
The birth of Jesus is the ultimate source of this joy. The angel’s announcement to the shepherds declared, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). This joy is not merely the celebration of a baby’s birth but the arrival of salvation itself – the fulfillment of centuries of promises and the assurance of eternal life.
Paul reminds us in Romans, “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). This joy flows from the presence of God’s Spirit in us, not from external pleasures or temporary satisfaction. It is the joy of knowing that we belong to God’s eternal kingdom – a kingdom inaugurated through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
C.S. Lewis described joy as “the serious business of heaven,” emphasizing its eternal nature. Our joy in Christ is secure because it rests on the hope of His unchanging love and His victory over sin and death.
This Advent, let us remember that true joy is found in the presence of Christ, who came to bring light to our darkness and hope to our waiting. May our hearts echo Mary’s song of praise: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). The joy of Advent is the joy of knowing that in Christ, we are deeply loved, eternally secure, and forever redeemed.
Blessings
Nico