Joy Prophesied

In many traditions, the third Sunday of Advent is often called “Joyful Sunday.” This is a time in the advent calendar when we focus on the expectant joy that comes with Christmas. When you look around our world today, you feel that excitement and anticipation as the days get shorter, the air gets brisk, and the stores start to put out Christmas decor in October. There is a readiness and joy for this time of year. We even sing, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” And while the Israelites weren’t following our modern holiday traditions, as you read through the Old Testament, you can also feel the expectant joy for the coming Messiah.

Israel was expectantly waiting for its coming King, and God had promised to provide a spotless lamb, a path to peace with God through a perfect sacrifice. A Savior who would come and die a sinner’s death, but would rise after three days to secure our victory over the grave and sin as He reigns forevermore. Isaiah 51:10-11 captures this joy perfectly:

“Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over? Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

In this advent of Joy, we look back, remember, and celebrate, but we also forward like the Israelites. Instead of waiting for Christ’s birth, we wait with joy for His second coming.

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” Revelation 21:3-5

As you live on mission and await Christ’s return, prayerfully consider who God wants you to pursue in this Christmas season. Maybe it’s someone who needs a simple invite to church, or maybe they need you to pray for them and hear the true message of Christmas. Whatever it may be, remember the Gospel is good news; it’s joy to a weary world, and it’s the greatest gift we could receive.