Rejoice: How to Embrace Joy This Advent

Embracing Joy: Preparing for Christmas

“That night, shepherds were staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:8-12 NL

A few years ago, while visiting Israel, I spent some time in Bethlehem and went to the traditional site where the shepherds experienced the proclamation of the angels. One of the things that amazed me was how much this site reminded me of parts of New Mexico. The other poignant point was the fact that this was the area where history changed forever.

While taking in the view, I imagined what the shepherds must have thought and felt as the angels announced the Lord Jesus’ birth. Honestly, I cannot even begin to imagine what that night must have been like.

As Christmas approaches, many of us are preparing our homes and hearts. This season often ushers in a time of joy, reflection, and anticipation. The Advent season, which is celebrated globally, is characterized by waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ. Within this context, the church celebrates the joy of his arrival, reminding us of this profound gift from God. In this article, we will look at the nature of joy, the importance of choosing joy, and how to foster a joyful mindset as we develop a more resilient faith.

Joy as a Gift from God

What do you think of when you hear the word, Joy? Some might associate it with our emotions on special occasions, like our feelings on Christmas morning, surrounded by loved ones, or amid laughter as family members share stories of previous Christmases. However, joy is not merely a fleeting, seasonal emotion. For Christians, joy is viewed as a deep, abiding sense of delight deeply rooted in the fact that God initiated a way for us to have a relationship with Him by sending Jesus to become our Lord and Savior. This joy is a gift God offers to each of us.

Joy is not something we pursue; it is something we allow to flow into our lives as we connect with the Lord. This perspective will enable us to shift our understanding of joy from a mere feeling to a spiritual state. Just like hope, peace, and love, joy is a deeply embedded part of our relationship with God-it is available to us as we deepen our faith and trust in Him.

Choosing Joy

While joy is a divine gift, it is also an active choice. Life is filled with challenges, adversity, and uncertainties that can easily cloud our hearts. The pressures of work and personal relationships can sometimes dilute our sense of joy or make it hard to recognize. However, even in the most challenging circumstances, we can choose joy.

Choosing joy involves a conscious decision to focus on the positive aspects of our lives, even when we are facing adversity. It might mean finding gratitude in incremental amounts, such as enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with a friend, a man hug from a brother in Christ or the beauty of nature. A thankful heart is a joyful heart. By deliberately choosing to acknowledge the good in our lives, we invite the joy of the Lord to take root, transforming our outlook and attitude.

Advent is an excellent time to practice this intentional choice to embrace joy. As we light the candles of the Advent wreath, a circular arrangement of evergreen branches with four candles, each representing a week of Advent, we can take a moment to reflect on what brings us joy. It may be the warm memories of family holiday traditions, the inspiring story of the birth of the baby Jesus, or laughter filling our homes as we attend family gatherings. By focusing on joyful themes, we build a spiritual practice to help us remain steadfast when life is heavy.

Developing a Joyful Mindset for Resilient Faith

One of the most significant benefits of cultivating joy is its transformative power on our faith. A joyful mindset is about feeling happy and developing a resilient faith that empowers us to overcome obstacles. Joy strengthens our faith, giving us courage and hope to face life’s challenges. We become more adaptable, resilient, and open to the Lord’s guidance when we embrace joy, empowering us to face life’s challenges with hope and courage.

A joyful mindset helps us shape our perspective through the lens of hope. For example, when disappointment or adversity arises, we can recall our joyful experiences, much as the Psalmist did, and remind ourselves of God’s presence and faithfulness. This shift in perspective allows us to endure challenges with the peace that comes from knowing we are not alone. Rather than being consumed by fear or anxiety, choosing joy strengthens our hearts and minds, allowing us to weather life’s storms.

With its focus and anticipation, Advent is pivotal for nurturing this joyful mindset. By engaging in prayer, reviewing the biblical account of Jesus’ birth, attending worship services, and serving others, we can actively participate in Advent’s joy, increasing our capacity for joy and inspiring us to embrace a joyful mindset.

Action Plan:

 1. Gratitude Journaling

Take a few moments each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This practice can help you focus on the positive aspects of your life and cultivate an attitude of joy. Reflect on everyday blessings and the joys that the season brings.

 2. Savor the Simple Moments

Dedicate time each day to pause and appreciate the simple pleasures around you—like sipping a warm cup of cocoa, enjoying the beauty of holiday decorations, or spending quality time with loved ones. These small moments can bring great joy and remind you of the importance of connection.

 3. Engage in some fun Christmas activities.

Engage in festive activities that make you smile! This could be baking holiday treats, playing joyful music, or decorating cookies with family and friends. Creating joyful memories can lighten your spirit and fill your heart with happiness.

By integrating these suggestions into your daily life during Advent, you’ll find joy blooming all around you. Enjoy these moments and let your joy shine brightly!

Conclusion:

As we continue our journey through the Advent season, we are reminded that joy is a gift from God—a gift available to each of us. However, waiting for joy to appear at your door like an Amazon package magically is insufficient. We must intentionally choose joy, even amid challenging times, by focusing on gratitude and connection with God. Embracing a joyful mindset cultivates resilience, anchoring our faith and allowing us to flourish in difficult and joyous times. Let us be encouraged and motivated to choose joy in our lives actively.

Let us commit to embracing joy in its many forms this Christmas season. May our hearts be open to divine the git of strengthening our faith and ushering us into a season of hope, love, and celebration. As we await the birth of Christ, let us fill our lives with joy, reminding ourselves that genuinely understanding and experiencing joy is one of the greatest gifts we can share with the world around us.

Additional Links:

Reclaiming Christmas Joy

Managing Emotions During the Holidays

Illuminate Your Christmas with Faith and Joy by John Thurman

Embracing Hope the Christmas