The Gift of Joy

In the rich tapestry of ancient Hebrew, there are at least eight words for joy—each conveying a unique dimension of gladness, delight, elation, and jubilation!

As the Israelites journeyed with God, they experienced new reasons to celebrate who God is and what God had done for them.

In Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton beautifully expressed God's unending delight:

"It is possible that God says every morning, 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, 'Do it again' to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we."

Far from indifferent or weary, our Triune God's gladness is intertwined with his very being (see Isaiah 65:19, Luke 10:21, John 15:11, Galatians 5:22 and Romans 14:17).

God even rejoices over us—finding delight in our flourishing (e.g., Zephaniah 3:17).

As we journey through an Advent season marked by longing, mystery, and patient expectation, it can be tempting to postpone joy, as if we must remain unhappy until Christmas Day.

But Advent hope kindles joyful anticipation of Christ's surprising arrival. And the natural response to God restoring us to wholeness and shalom? Celebration!

Yet Advent requires us to cultivate wisdom. It's a season intended to comfort us in the darkness and division of our troubled world. God walks with us when we are depressed, overwhelmed, or lonely. Yet even in the darkness, he invites us to enjoy his nearness.

Of all the Gospels, Luke especially highlights the exuberant joy of Advent.

Zechariah and Elizabeth are promised joy; Elizabeth says John "leaps for joy" in the womb. Mary's soul "rejoices in God my savior." At Jesus' birth, angels proclaim "good news of great joy" to awed shepherds.

Do you want to be happy this Christmas? God not only gives you permission, but he also encourages you to go all-out in your celebrations. The Joy-Bringer is born!

Come, Lord Jesus!