Advent Reflections: Joy 1

Daily Office texts: Zechariah 1:7-17; Revelation 3:7-13; Matthew 24:15-31.

I am preparing to preach at my father-in-law’s funeral today and so this will perforce be a short reflection. Yesterday we lighted the third candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of joy. Our joy as Christians is based on our hope, the hope that stems from the love of God for us in Jesus Christ our Lord. The cross of Christ is God’s eternal invitation to us to join him in a living relationship that lasts forever. During this season of Advent, a season of anticipation and hope, we Christians have joy because God loves us and has done the impossible for us so that we have a chance to live with him forever. Practically, for Christians, this means that all the brokenness in our world will not have the last say, nor will it last forever; it is only for a season. If that cannot produce joy in you, I doubt anything really can.

I see this joy poignantly manifested in my family as they grieve dad’s death. It is remarkable the joy they express in their behavior, even as they grieve their loss and the pain of separation death has inflicted on them. But they are joyous because they know this loss and separation is only for a season. Death, infirmity, and sickness do not have the last say. I watch my family and I am awestruck by their joy. It is a remarkable testimony in itself and I wish everyone could see their joy, the kind of joy that nothing in this world is able to take from them. If you saw it, you would want to have this kind of joy too.

May you too experience the joy that is yours through the grace and wondrous love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Tomorrow: The future basis of our joy.

2 thoughts on “Advent Reflections: Joy 1

  1. Pingback: Advent Reflections: Joy 3 : Maney’s Musings

  2. Pingback: Advent Reflections: Joy 2 : Maney’s Musings

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