Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice… And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7
Anticipation that comes with unexpected blessings frames this coming week’s Advent theme of joy. Waiting on change is hard, seeing dimly into the future exasperating, existing in the funk of uncertainty of what lies ahead all is countered this week when we frame our lives in God’s story. I can remember getting close to the time of the birth of my children and waiting with fearful anticipation of their arrival. Carla and I experienced uncertainty, as we did not know the day or time, but it was different. But our waiting was also infused with anticipatory joy. For many, planning for returning to the place called home, expectations of opening gifts, laughter at stories of struggle, and subsequent overcoming are foundational for cultivating joy. As Christians we are cultivators of Joy. The third week of Advent is our reminder that the good news of Jesus’ birth has the power to bring us boundless joy this Christmas season. Our level of happiness may be determined by our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. But happiness is qualitatively and substantively different from joy. Our joy is a gift. It is bound in the story and promise and the assistance of the One who is the joy of the earth. Our joy is encompassed in our Savior, King Jesus.
Prayer
God of love, flood our hearts with the overwhelming joy of the blessed assurance of the good news of the One who came, who is coming, and who is still yet come… for this is good news. There is still time for anticipation! Amen.
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