For Advent Joy
Savior Jesus,
Advent fills us with hope, peace, and joy. I thank you, Lord, for a joy in Jesus that eclipses the joy of unwrapping presents, sampling favorite Christmas cookies, and so many other Christmas traditions. As appreciated as those experiences may be, they are dependent on the circumstances: undesired gifts and unappetizing cookies don’t evoke joy! Moreover, such traditions are temporary. They come and go, and are quickly forgotten.
How unique, though, is the joy we have in you, Savior Jesus! It does not ever disappoint because it does not change. You have forever removed our sin and replaced it with your righteousness. In doing so, you have permanently changed our status and made us pleasing to God, delightful to our Father. The joy that flows from this reality is constant. It fills my heart even when external circumstances may be undesirable or exasperating. As you refresh my heart with this Advent joy leading up to Christmas, help me to excel at embracing this joy continually throughout my life.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.