Unswerving Hope, Unfailing Love: Advent DevotionalSample

Day 3: Joy In Christ

It is true that, in this life, moments and reasons for sadness will come. Sometimes the people that we miss, the things that we lack or the troubles that we have experienced, can open up a space for sadness in our heart.

Sadness can park on our driveway and ring the bell on the front door. We may open the door and have the conversation about what brings them here, but we do not have to let sadness into our home.

The joy of the Lord not only is our strength, but also our most precious home. Joy was born in the manger not to make the Christmas season joyful, but so that every person who believes in Christ can live in joy every single day of their life.

If you put all those things that bring sadness next to Christ, you will notice how they can’t measure up to the joy of knowing Him. Joy is restored every time that you intentionally switch your mind to Christ.

So even when sadness rings so loud and persistently that you can’t ignore it, you can open the door to recognize the reasons why the feeling is there. But you can also go with Christ to the door. As you guide your mind and heart to this precious gift that you have—joy in Christ—you will start to feel that sadness doesn’t measure up when Christ is with you at the door.

During advent, we can reinforce this mindset. All the Christmas decorations, the songs, the gatherings at church with family and friends can be a constant reminder that our reason for joy was born. And that one day, when He returns, our joy will be complete and there will be no more sadness. You can let your life be your manger. With Christ in it, joy can be your home.