We think of joy in terms of things and relationships: home, presents, food baskets, meals, time together, visiting people, even going Christmas caroling to those who may be alone or ill. But to a people oppressed, joy means the arrival of deliverance and justice. The Jews had both a memory of a “golden age” of peace and prosperity (King Solomon), plus thousands of years of prophecy concerning the glory and dominion and abundant blessing that their Messiah would bring to them. This week, step with them, out of their need into the joy of His coming.
Joy comes to those in trouble, who wait, devoted to the Lord
...your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul (Ps 94:18-19 NIV). Simeon was devout and just, lead by the Holy Spirit, waiting for the “Consolation of Israel” (Lk 2:25). Now, he could die in peace—for what do you wait?
Joy is a gift from God: This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness (Eccl 2:24-26). To Zacharias, God promised joy, gladness and rejoicing for many, through the son he was giving to them (Lk 1:14). Lord, forgive my lack of joy.
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and the babe in her womb leaped for joy, at just hearing the sound of Mary’s greeting (Luke 1: 41-44). Fill us anew with Holy Spirit joy.
Joy is a choice, along with faith, hope and love—a choice enabled by the grace of God (diving enabling power). I choose joy!
...through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ… by faith into this grace… And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God… we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Rom 5:1-5). Lord, help us rejoice even in suffering—growing by faith in His grace.
Those who know pain, and embrace it, can understand true joy. It is hard for us to comprehend the persevering desire of those who looked for Messiah to come. Consider that in the face of her own suffering to come, Mary could rejoice, for all Israel waited in hope: “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my savior. 48For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant… 52He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the low (Lk 1:46-52). Lord, fill my soul and spirit with joy in You, regardless of the circumstances?
Joy is brought to men through God’s News: I gave to Jerusalem a messenger of good tidings (Is 41:27). God delights in using the poor, and outcasts as his witnesses (Lk 2:10). How beautiful are feet bringing peace.
Share his joy by sharing with someone this week, the Good News of God’s Kingdom, and heaven’s joy of new birth. (Lk 15:7)
-PD
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