The Joy That Leaps

Theme: Joy in the Unexpected

Micah 5:2 CEV

2 Bethlehem, you are one of the smallest towns in the nation of Judah. But the Lord will choose one of your people to rule the nation— someone whose family goes back to ancient times.

Open Your Bibles to Luke 1:39-45 to follow our message today

Introduction: The Surprise of Joy

Let’s start with a confession: joy is not always easy to find. Especially in December.

Between shopping lists, travel plans, family tensions, and the pressure to be “merry and bright,” joy can feel like a distant cousin to stress. And yet, Advent calls us to joy — not the kind you fake for a Christmas card photo, but the kind that leaps unexpectedly, even in uncertainty.

This week, we meet two women — Mary and Elizabeth — whose lives have been turned upside down. One is young and pregnant by divine mystery. The other is old and pregnant by divine miracle. And when they meet, something leaps.

“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:44)

Main Teaching

1. Joy Begins in Relationship

Luke 1:39–40 says:

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.”

Mary doesn’t isolate. She doesn’t spiral. She goes. She seeks out someone who will understand.

Illustration: When you get good news, who do you call first? Your mom? Your best friend? Your dog (who listens better than most humans)?

Mary goes to Elizabeth. Because joy is meant to be shared. And when it is, it multiplies.

Joke: It’s like laughter—ever tried laughing alone in a room? You feel weird. But add one friend, and suddenly you’re rolling on the floor over something that wasn’t even that funny.

Joy needs relationship.

And Mary’s visit sparks something sacred.

2. Joy Leaps Before the Circumstances Change

Let’s not forget: Mary is still in a precarious situation. She’s pregnant. Unmarried. Young. Vulnerable. Elizabeth is old. Her husband Zechariah still can’t speak. There’s no guarantee of safety, comfort, or clarity.

And yet — joy leaps.

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb.” (Luke 1:41)

This is pre-birth joy. Pre-resolution joy. It’s joy that doesn’t wait for everything to be perfect.

Illustration: Think of a child jumping up and down when they hear the ice cream truck — even before they get the cone.

That’s Advent joy. It leaps at the sound of promise.

Joke: It’s like when someone says, “I brought donuts!” and you don’t even ask what kind. You’re already halfway to the box.

Joy in the unexpected means we don’t wait for the full picture. We rejoice at the whisper of God’s movement.

3. Joy Is Spirit-Stirred, Not Self-Generated

Luke tells us:

“Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1:41)

This joy isn’t manufactured. It’s Spirit-stirred.

We live in a world that tries to sell joy — through gadgets, vacations, and peppermint lattes. But Advent reminds us: true joy is a gift. It’s not something we earn. It’s something we receive.

Illustration: Think of a fireplace. You can’t make fire by staring at wood. You need a spark. The Holy Spirit is that spark.

Elizabeth’s joy isn’t just emotional — it’s prophetic. She declares:

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” (Luke 1:42)

She sees what others haven’t yet seen. That’s Spirit vision. That’s Spirit joy.

4. Joy Honors the Faithful

Elizabeth continues:

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)

Joy doesn’t just celebrate outcomes. It honors faith.

Mary believed. Even when it made no sense. Even when it cost her reputation. Even when it meant surrender.

And Elizabeth affirms her. She doesn’t say, “Are you sure?” or “What will Joseph think?” She says, “Blessed are you.”

Joke: It’s the opposite of those relatives who say, “You’re pregnant? Was that planned?” Elizabeth says, “You’re pregnant? That’s promised.”

Joy in the unexpected means we affirm the faith of others — even when their journey looks different than ours.

5. Joy Is Contagious

Let’s not miss the ripple effect.

Mary’s greeting causes Elizabeth’s baby to leap. Elizabeth’s affirmation strengthens Mary. And then Mary bursts into song — the Magnificat: Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46–55).

Luke 1:46–55 NLT

46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! 48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. 50 He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. 51 His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. 52 He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. 54 He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. 55 For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”

Joy spreads. It leaps. It sings.

Illustration: It’s like a domino effect. One spark of joy can ignite a whole room. Ever been in a worship service where one person starts clapping, and suddenly the whole congregation joins in?

That’s Advent joy. It doesn’t stay contained. It moves.

6. Joy in the Unexpected Is a Sign of God’s Nearness

Why does John leap?

Because Jesus is near.

Even in the womb, the presence of Christ causes movement.

This is the heart of Advent: God is near. Not just in Bethlehem. Not just in December. But in your waiting. In your wilderness. In your womb of uncertainty.

Illustration: Think of a sunrise. You don’t see the sun yet, but the sky begins to glow. Advent joy. It’s the glow before the full light.

Conclusion

Closing Application: How Do We Cultivate Joy That Leaps?

Seek sacred relationships. Like Mary and Elizabeth, find people who affirm your faith and share your joy.

Celebrate before the outcome. Don’t wait for perfection. Rejoice in the promise.

Invite the Holy Spirit. Ask God to stir joy—not just happiness, but deep, Spirit-rooted joy.

Affirm others. Speak blessing. Honor faith. Be an Elizabeth to someone’s Mary.

Watch for God’s nearness. Look for the subtle movements. The leaps. The whispers.

Prayer

God of Joy, You enter our uncertainty with presence. You stir our hearts with promise. You cause joy to leap — not because everything is resolved, but because You are near.

Help us to rejoice in the unexpected. To honor the faith of others. To seek relationships that spark joy. To welcome Your Spirit’s movement.

Let our hearts leap like John’s. Let our voices affirm like Elizabeth’s. Let our souls sing like Mary’s.

This Advent, may joy not be a performance, but a response. To You. Amen.