Hope for Joy
One of the greatest joys of my life is to be a father on Christmas morning. I carry on the tradition that my father did when we were kids. No one was allowed downstairs until he went out to make sure all was clear, and that Santa made it out safely. As children we were so overwhelmed with joy that we were jumping up and down with anticipation of what might be under the Christmas tree for us that year. Then it happens, we hear the cry of a voice that says come on down and let Christmas begin.
This Sunday, we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and our theme for this Sunday is Hope for Joy. We hear a beautiful story of the angel Gabriel being sent from God to go tell Mary she is going to give birth to our savior who will bring joy to the world. This great messenger will later tell the shepherds in the fields “Do not be afraid, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior is born for you who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2: 10). Joy is the being born into the world. Joy is the gift that our Heavenly Father gives to all of us.
We need to invite this joy into our hearts. I think many of us are overwhelmed with darkness and fear in our lives. It is time to hope for joy. As true believers hope we can have the joy of John the Baptist. As scripture shared, from the very first time of hearing of the news of Jesus, he jumped and stirred in the womb of Elizabeth. He was so excited that his entire life was going forth and proclaiming the love and Joy of God and calling people out of darkness and come and prepare a way for the Lord. Imagine what our lives would be like if we had that joy and faith.
Today we are told of the perfect gift that is waiting for us. The angel Gabriel is sharing the same message that was given to shepherds in the fields who were willing to abandon their flocks and come and see a little baby born in manger. We need to be like a child on Christmas morning waiting to come down and unwrap the greatest gift in our lives.
We do need to hope for joy. The Lord is asking and telling us not to live in fear and darkness, but to come and see the Light of the World. My prayer for all of us is that we will discover the joy of our faith and come and see and witness the miracle of love being born into our lives.
Let us be people of joy!