Treasuring the Joy of Christ

In the hustle and bustle of the Advent season, we often find ourselves caught up in the excitement of preparation—decorating our homes, buying gifts, and planning festive gatherings. Yet, amid this flurry of activity, we are called to prepare our hearts for a greater joy than any earthly celebration can offer. Luke 1:14–15 gives us a glimpse into the profound impact of Christ’s coming: “And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord.” These words, spoken by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah about his son John the Baptist, serve to parallel the even greater joy that would accompany the birth of Jesus. The promise of “joy and gladness” is not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated treasure that transforms the heart. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the person of Christ himself.

The angel’s proclamation that “many will rejoice at his birth” speaks to the importance of John the Baptist in God’s plan of redemption as the one who would prepare the way for Christ. This joy is not reserved for a select few but is available to all who recognize Jesus as the treasure of their hearts. It’s a joy that transcends cultural boundaries, socioeconomic status, and personal circumstances. This joy is a unifying force that brings people together to celebrate God’s greatest gift to humanity.

The declaration that “he will be great before the Lord” points to John the Baptist's profound role as Christ’s forerunner, who would be even greater. Christ’s greatness is not measured by worldly standards but by His perfect alignment with the Father’s will. This greatness is the source of our hope, for in Christ, we find a Savior who is both fully God and fully man, capable of bridging the chasm between sinful humanity and a holy God by paying the penalty for sin on our behalf through the shedding of His blood.

The angel’s instruction that John “must not drink wine or strong drink” symbolizes the sanctified or set-apart nature of those who serve the Lord. For us, it serves as a reminder to guard our hearts against worldly intoxications that might dull our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Instead, we are called to be “filled with the Holy Spirit,” allowing God’s presence to permeate every aspect of our being. The beautiful truth is that this filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for special individuals like John but is available to all believers. Just as John was filled “even from his mother’s womb,” we too can experience the indwelling presence of God from the moment we accept Christ as our heart’s greatest treasure.

As we journey through this Advent season, let us seek the greater joy of treasuring Christ above all else. May we prepare our hearts to be filled anew with the Holy Spirit, allowing the hope, peace, and love of Christ to overflow from our lives into the world around us. For in doing so, we not only experience the fullness of joy ourselves but also become bearers of that joy to others, fulfilling the angel’s prophecy that “many will rejoice” at the coming of our Lord.

Prayer

Lord of Glory, we come before you with hearts full of anticipation and gratitude. Thank you for the indescribable gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we prepare to celebrate His birth, fill us with the joy and gladness that can only come from knowing Him as our heart’s greatest treasure. Holy Spirit, dwell in us richly, transforming our lives from the inside out. May our lives be a testament to the greatness of Christ, drawing others to rejoice in Him. Help us set aside worldly distractions and focus on our eternal hope in Jesus. In His name, we pray, amen.

Zachary Dawson, Ph.D., serves as an assistant professor for the Regent University School of Divinity.