I assure you and most solemnly say to you, that you will weep and grieve [in great mourning], but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. John 16:20-22
In the Bible, joy shows up in surprising ways. Sometimes it bursts into celebration, as when Israel sings as God leads them out of Egypt. Other times it takes shape as a quiet song amid struggle, as the prophets teach exiles to expect joy even before they return home.
Joy doesn’t wait until everything is repaired and restored. It takes root in God’s presence and grows even in hard soil.
Advent joy isn’t about everything going well; it’s a deep gladness rooted in the presence of God, who is faithful and renewing all things. Jesus encouraged his disciples to remain in his love so that his joy would be in them and become complete.
Joy comes from our connection with God and doesn’t depend on circumstances. It can coexist with sorrow, allowing us to mourn losses while still feeling hopeful. Joy is anchored in God’s promises, recalling His past rescues and looking forward to the day He will wipe away every tear.
The Advent season invites us to practice this kind of joy. As we remain in God’s love and join his Kingdom work of generosity and mercy, we let joy overflow through our lives like a song that begins quietly now but will one day fill all creation.
Joy doesn’t wait until everything is repaired and restored. It takes root in God’s presence and grows even in hard soil.
Reflections:
- Today’s passages describe joy that flourishes in unlikely places. How do they invite you to see joy not as the absence of hardship but as a gift, rooted in God’s presence and promise?
- Today’s passages describe joy that flourishes in unlikely places. How do they invite you to see joy not as the absence of hardship but as a gift, rooted in God’s presence and promise?
- In this season, what practices—such as gratitude, generosity, or remembering God’s past faithfulness—could help you cultivate joy even when life feels unsettled?
Prayer: Lord, I choose to fix my focus, not on the things of this world that are happening all around me, but on who You are and on all You have provided for me in You. Help me maintain this perspective and not get distracted by the things that would move me from true joy. Teach me to press into Your grace and find delight in You. And produce in me the fruit of joy that can be seen and experienced by others so they may come to know the joy of Your salvation. Amen.
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