Joy - is that a word that describes how you are feeling lately? We sit in isolation, we sit in darkness, we sit in confusion and unpredictability. Each week it feels like something else is being stripped away. Devastation falls all around us and here we are, entering the Advent of Joy.
Luke 2:10 NIV:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Where is our joy? Can you see it? Can you feel it? Can you find it? Where is our joy?
It is still present and still secure in our Immanuel, in Jesus Christ. Joy came that Christmas morning, wrapped in swaddling cloths, held close to His mother’s chest. Joy came in the shame and blood that was poured out upon a wooden cross. Joy came from an empty tomb. Because of Jesus, our resurrected Lord, our Overcomer, our Victory over death, joy is attainable even in the darkest of places.
Have we lost? Have we sorrowed? Have we ached for human connection? Without a doubt. Does the Joy of the Lord ask us to ignore our sorrows, suppress the grief, and suffer in solitude? Absolutely not.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT:
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
The prophet Habakkuk says, “Even though...” Even though we have much to grieve, even though we feel alone and scared, even though it’s cold and dark, we can still rejoice. Our salvation in the Lord still remains intact and our joy is found and secure in our steadfast faith and hope in the life and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. So grieve and sorrow, but then return to your Saviour.
What are you grieving, what aspects of your life feel empty and desolate? Where are you finding your joy, how are you filling those empty places? What is the “good news” that marks your present circumstances?
Wishing you joy this Christmas season,
Shenoa Gislason
Central Alberta Prayer Coordinator