Look for Joy at Advent

We are in the season of Advent. I normally love this season, yet this year brings a heaviness unlike any other in most of our lifetimes. Let’s explore how we can look for joy despite the darkness this December, and let’s begin with Luke’s words.

“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 1:26-33 (ESV)

Do Not Be Afraid

When I read this passage (which I’ve read countless times), I am struck by how Mary found herself in a fearful situation. Many of us cannot imagine the implications of what Gabriel said to her. She knew her reputation could be ruined. When Luke said she was greatly troubled, that was likely putting it lightly. Her world was being turned upside down.

Our collective world seems to be fairly upside down this December. While all of our situations differ, I imagine we can all relate in some way to Mary’s feelings in that moment. Yet Gabriel still comforts her with the words, “Do not be afraid.” Imagine our heavenly Father gently speaking those words over your heart right this moment. Let the words soak into your spirit like water into a sponge.

Consider how Luke’s words might be applied in your life. Hear me, though: I am not suggesting you toss out your masks and pretend there’s no pandemic. I believe the most loving thing we can do for our neighbors is to protect them by following the CDC and local guidelines for preventing the virus. Rather than questioning the practical advice we’re being given, I am asking you to examine where fear may have seeped into your heart. I am asking you to look for joy.

Yes, the bad news seems to keep coming. We have been accosted from all sides. I have felt fear for those with comorbidities. I have felt fear for my Black friends. I have felt fear for the future of our country. When I realize that fear is on the prowl in my mind or heart, I try to hand it over to my Savior as quickly as I can unwrap my claws from around it. Jesus will take it and restore peace in my heart. What an amazing gift when you realize that the circumstances haven’t changed!

Finding Joy

James reminds us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds” James 1:2 (NIV). While this may seem like an insurmountable ask, consider the gift of God, that when we relinquish our fear to him, he replaces it with peace. That should bring some joy right there.

I’ve learned through the trials in my own life that joy is available to us if we are willing to look for it. Sometimes, we’re not willing or maybe even not able to look. In those moments, I’d encourage you to bring in reinforcements. Ask your friends and relatives to stand in the gap for you. In the times where you can look for joy yourself, ask God to open your eyes to it.

God gave me the gift of finding joy during my mom’s ten-month journey with cancer. I found joy in watching the beauty of how my Dad loved and served her. I found joy when she was elated to be able to do a video thank-you note to her community after she could no longer write. I found joy in her smile and tears when we gave her a memory book for Christmas. Was the trial horrible and awful? It really was. However, was there joy to be had if I was willing to look for it? Absolutely.

As we wait with anticipation for our celebration of the birth of our Savior in one of the hardest years we’ve experienced as a generation, may we release our fear to Jesus, and may he open our eyes to the joys to be found in this most sacred season of Advent.

Amy Wiebe is a Jesus follower, wife, mom of three, church planter, finance director, and lover of sarcasm and deep conversation with friends. She also loves camping, rafting, skiing, sewing, and having people over. Amy blogs with her husband at fringechurch.com.

Photograph © Preslie Hirsch, used with permission