2nd Christmas gift – JOY

The third Sunday of Advent is known as Joy Sunday. God’s word tells us about it and invites us to it: “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). But is that possible?

2 things prevent me from believing that it’s possible to “live happily always”:

– The bad that happened to you, that shouldn’t happen and that ruins your life.

– The good that you want and that never seems to happen again.

Don’t get caught up in these two things. Instead, remember that joy doesn’t come from what happens to you or what you have, but from something greater. Jesus promised us a joy that no one could take away from us. And this joy is possible, because Jesus came to this imperfect world to show that joy is not a matter of luck or the result of a happy event, but a choice.

4 truths about joy that Jesus’ Christmas reveals to us

1. Joy can be found here and now!

The shepherds show us that we can find joy in the present situation of our lives.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” (Luke 2: 8-9)

2. Joy is a gift – it’s not something you earn on your own!

Joy is a gift. The good news of Christmas is: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10

3. Joy is a journey.

The Magi reveal to us that joy is not something that happens instantly: it was only after a long journey that the Magi found what the Star had announced to them. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed”.(Matthew 2:10) Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (John 16:20) 

4. Joy comes after a difficult choice.

Mary reveals to us that the joy and rejoicing of the “Magnificat” only happened after she had said “yes” to God, who had asked her to accept being the Mother of his Son! “I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11)  

How to choose joy?

I. Choose to hear and heed the good news.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” That’s good news, isn’t it?

II. Choose to do what God says.

When we do God’s will, we find joy. Jesus said: ” If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.  I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:10-11)

So choose to always be happy! Choose joy! 

” Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another :Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.(Luke 2:15)

III. Choose to share the good news with someone.

When you share sadness, it divides and diminishes. But joy, when shared, multiplies and increases. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. (Luke 2:17)

SFS

– Choose to listen and heed the good news.

– Choose to do what God tells you.

– Choose to share the good news with someone.