Joy at Advent

Luke 2:8–12 NIV

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

1. Joy is rooted in Trust, not on circumstances

It is natural to think that pleasant circumstances result in joy while unpleasant circumstances kill our joy.

We are instructed, though, to rejoice always - Philippians 4:4

Philippians 4:4 NIV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

This was written while Paul was in prison

If joy depended on circumstances you could not command someone to rejoice

Trust in God is the origin of our joy - 1 Peter 1:8-9

1 Peter 1:8–9 NIV

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

This is not based on reasoning, but on faith and trust

This does not mean we will never encounter trials

Trials may test and refine our faith - 1 Peter 1:6-7

1 Peter 1:6–7 NIV

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Trials deepen our joy - James 1:2-3

James 1:2–3 NIV

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Trials develop character - Romans 5:3-4

Romans 5:3–4 NIV

3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

2. Joy deepens through surrender, not avoidance

Walking in the Spirit requires surrender to God - Galatians 5:16-18

Galatians 5:16–18 NIV

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Submission to the Spirit results in the fruit of the Spirit, including joy - Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22–23 NIV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

3. Joy matures through eternal perspective, not short-term relief

Our joy will be fulfilled in God’s presence - Psalm 16:11

Psalm 16:11 NIV

11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Jesus endured the cross with the future joy in mind - Hebrews 12:2

Hebrews 12:2 NIV

2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This does not mean we won’t have joy now - John 15:11

John 15:11 NIV

11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.