As we move into the third week of Advent, we are reminded of the joy that Jesus brings. The bible is full of references to joy being our strength. It keeps us grounded and focused on Him. In fact, joy is referenced more than 100 times.
Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is worldly and temporary. Joy is spiritual and cannot be deterred by the circumstances you find yourself in. Joy is synonymous with rejoicing. We are instructed throughout the Psalms to rejoice.
Hope Bolinger writes “Otherwise known as the Shepherd Candle, this third candle of Advent reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation he has gifted us.”[1] The pink colour of the candle is reflective of that joy; the anticipation of waiting for a child to arrive.
God has given us a joy that no one can take away. No matter what happens in this dark world, we can experience light.
Hope Bolinger, crosswalk.com
The shepherds experienced that marvelous light. They were in the fields with their sheep on a dark night. Can you imagine how they must have felt when the angels and the glory showed up? We’re told that they were terrified and the first words the angel spoke were “do not be afraid”.
And there were shepherds living in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 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 Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:8-11
Jesus is the good news that causes great joy. Joy is our strength and essential to our Christian walk. Joy confirms that we always walk in the light despite the darkness that surrounds us. The more time we spend with Jesus, the greater the joy we will experience.
The joy of the Lord in my strength
Nehemiah 8:10
I have experienced this firsthand. I had surgery last week. Prior to the procedure, I was really scared. I couldn’t see my life beyond the surgery. I am so grateful for prayer coverage and the Word, for knowing my authority as a believer that I can stand and bind the spirit of fear and anxiety and loose the peace of God. I spent time meditating on healing scriptures and focusing on the healing promises. I went into the OR with normal feelings of nerves, not debilitating fear; knowing that whatever happened, I would be okay.
When I woke up, I felt the joy of the Lord bubbling up out of my spirit. My spirit wanted to dance around the recovery room (my body was heavy and still sedated, but my soul and my spirit were having a party). I haven’t experienced this before and wanted to hold on to it for as long as possible. Despite the aftereffects of the anesthetic and pain from the surgery, the joy filled my heart. I know that Jesus never left my side for one second, and He never will. He does the same for you. Every second of every day, He is by your side, and, if you allow Him, His joy will fill your heart and be your strength.
This is my prayer for you especially during this holiday season. Take time to focus on Him, and He will carry you through, filled with joy.
[1] Source: crosswalk.com
Voyage through Life 