The Coming of Joy (3rd Sunday of Advent)
Ruth Ann Stites, Staff Writer
The third theme of Advent is joy. One of the definitions of joy is “a person or thing that causes happiness.”[1] The prophet Isaiah would agree, tying together the person of the Promised King and a joyful response as in Psalm 49, one of the great prophecies of Jesus coming:[2]
And now the Lord says—
he who formed me in the womb to be his servant
to bring Jacob back to him
and gather Israel to himself,
for I am honored in the eyes of the Lord
and my God has been my strength—
he says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:5-6, 13
If we detach joy from the Person of Christ, we have just another synonym for happiness. But the joy of the Lord, the joy of our salvation, the joy of eternity is so much more than the ephemeral pleasures of happiness.
The Apostle Paul gives us a New Testament confirmation for connecting the person of Christ to our joy, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Phil. 2:1-2). If we are to enjoy the fullness of the Christian experience, having His joy, then we will follow His example and encourage others to do likewise. Joy isn’t a personal treasure but is to be poured out lavishly to all those around us. It’s for everyone who will embrace the Person at the center, the cause of joy.
Luke 2:8-15 recounts the appearance of an angel with a message to a group of shepherds out in the fields near Bethlehem. Their angelic visitor said, “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 Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (verses 10-12).
As we prepare for the celebration of His coming this week, let us remember that the very person of joy was born in Bethlehem and we, like the shepherds of old, are invited into the joy of His Presence.
(Photo credit: R. A. Stites, Silver Dollar City, Missouri, 2024)
[1] JOY | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary
[2] Some other passages in Isaiah dealing with joy are Isaiah 35 NIV – Joy of the Redeemed – The desert and – Bible Gateway, Isaiah 55 NIV – Invitation to the Thirsty – “Come, – Bible Gateway, and Isaiah 61 NIV – The Year of the LORD’s Favor – The – Bible Gateway,
