THE ADVENT – JOY

Advent is a season to pause from our busyness, and meditate on the reasons for it. When we do so, it would enable us to celebrate the joy, that Christmas brings. Mary burst out in joy, and sang a song. John the Baptist, while still in his mother’s womb, jumped for joy. Stephen was found to be radiating with joy, even when the Jews were stoning him to death. Paul and Sylas sang songs of joy, even though, they were in the dungeons of a Philippian jail. Joy is in the air, and it fills our hearts to its brim!

How is this even possible? How can people be found with joy, in testing and trying times? What is the secret behind their joy? The answer is found in the angelic announcement to the poor shepherd found in Luke 2:10-11 – “10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” The news is God Tidings of Great Joy, to All People! HalleluYah!!!

The Reason for not being afraid, but rather to rejoice is, because of the good tidings. The good news is this – “11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.”

The people in darkness, that is us, have seen the LIGHT, that is the LORD Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, to seek and save that which was lost. We who were lost, have found the right way. We who were in darkness, are no more so…the Light has come to shine upon us. We who were sinners, are now washed clean of our sins, by the Saviour’s blood. The dead people have come to life. This is the reason for the  joy, and its origin for celebrations. “15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15