The Advent Adventure- 10 Days to Christmas: Great Joy
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“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Luke 2:10 (NIV)
Yesterday was the conclusion of week two of Adventure, and today, we begin a brand new focus: Joy! As we move forward from peace into joy, we must look backward to the moment Christ entered the world for a better insight into the type of Joy He brought.
At first glance, everything looks completely un-joyous. The chosen people of God were under oppression. Corruption and Idolatry were all throughout the land. The mention of anyone other than Cesar as Lord was a capital offense. The Roman Empire would over-tax and overwork its conquered peoples to drive home a solid point: we are in charge here. This left many people poor and scraping by to survive. On top of this, disease and natural disasters led many people to a short life. It was not the most joyous time for the Lord of Joy to enter the scene.
But this is exactly where Christ chooses to enter- in a turbulent time and in a stressful way. His mother was not married, and they couldn't find a place to give birth. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were outcasted and rejected. Maybe you have had a similar feeling of not belonging or being wanted. Or perhaps you have been hurt and abused, and joy seems far off. Let's take a look at what happens next in the Christmas story, as it can shed light on our current circumstances and begin to spark joy.
After Jesus is born into the darkest of times, some angels herald the news to lowly shepherds. In Luke 2:10 they say, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." What is this news that will bring Great Joy to all the people? It is the coming of the Messiah who will heal the world of brokenness. But Jesus' death and resurrection wouldn't happen for some time. And on top of that, Rome's oppression would last another 30 years after Jesus' death. So why, again, is there cause for great Joy?
There is now Joy because the fundamental nature of reality has shifted. Where there was darkness, separation, and death, there can now be light, unity, and life. This happened thousands of years ago and can continue to happen and be fulfilled in all believers today! If you recognize the true source of Joy, He will fill you up. Submitting to God and trusting in Jesus brings about an everlasting joy that cannot be robbed. It may be difficult to see past the pain, but Joy is the foundation of a believer's disposition towards circumstances.
Jesus' promise to His disciples still stands to us in John 16:24 when he said, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." Ask Him now and receive joy this Advent as we look forward to the coming of Christ again!
Another important part of your daily devotional is spending time with God in prayer. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board lists prayer requests submitted by our members and provides a way to send them some encouragement by using a button on the page to let them know that you prayed for them. Whether you use the Prayer Board, or pray from your heart, the goal is to build the habit of incorporating prayer into your quiet time.
Need prayer yourself? Let us know by submitting a prayer request on the Woodlands Church Prayer Board.