Displaying items by tag: Joy During Advent

by Terri Fox, Program & Events Specialist

The first week of Advent, Jennifer shared the hope she has for her children and their future. The second week, Andrea encouraged us to have peace in the journey.

As we enter this third week of Advent, let us pause to reflect on joy—a gift that transcends our circumstances and offers a deeper sense of fulfillment. 

Are joy and happiness synonymous? Can you have joy amid sorrow and suffering? Can you share your joy with someone else?

No, yes, and yes.

In my experience, joy is deep, abiding, solid, settled, trustworthy, and unspeakable but present and at times rising up within me. Happiness is often transitory and dependent upon my circumstances; however, I have witnessed and can testify to having experienced joy alongside both trials and triumphs.

Where does joy come from?

Luke 2:8-11 tells us, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

This joy the angel speaks of is a gift for everyone. Jesus, the Messiah, is the great joy for all the people. From His birth to His death on the cross and then His death-defeating resurrection, He restores to us the joy of our salvation and grants us a willing spirit to sustain us. He gives each of us the option to choose and accept the joy of His salvation.

Sharing Joy

Jesus, the Messiah, is the great joy for all the people. From His birth to His death on the cross and then His death-defeating resurrection, He restores to us the joy of our salvation and grants us a willing spirit to sustain us. He gives each of us the option to choose and accept the joy of His salvation.

This joy is not only personal but also something we are called to share with others. Whether through small acts of kindness or meaningful conversations, joy can be a light in someone else’s darkness. Those working in pregnancy help live this out daily, connecting with women who often feel lost, broken, and void of joy.

Heartbeat’s Option Line consultants and APR hotline nurses are connecting 24/7/365 with women who are often void of joy. They are either in the valley of decision or have already made a devasting life-altering decision. But, Nafisa Kennedy, Director of Option Line says,

“It is our joy to connect with women along every point on the journey! Sometimes, the greatest gift we can share is the beauty of forgiveness with someone who has been hurt by their abortion.”

As you sit knee to knee in the counseling room talking through the LOVE Approach, let each woman see your inner joy illuminating through your eyes.

When you scan a client’s abdomen in the ultrasound room and hear the steady thump, thump, thump of a tiny heartbeat, let the warmth of your joy shine through as you introduce her to the beauty of her baby’s life.

Or, as you console her as she grieves the loss of her little one, be present with her and let the joy of the Lord that strengthens you be an example of what is available to her as well.

The angel was right. The good news he delivered that night is still bringing joy to the world, and the King and Savior is still reigning with truth and grace.

When we abide in the Lord, “Gladness and joy will overtake [us], and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10b)

As we celebrate the joy of Advent, take time to reflect on how this deep, abiding gift of joy can shine through you. How can you embody the joy of the Lord in your interactions this week? Whether it’s through a kind word, a prayer, or simply being present for someone in need, let your joy overflow into the lives of others.

This Advent season, be intentional about sharing the good news that brings great joy. Just as the angels proclaimed it to the shepherds, you too can be a messenger of hope and joy to those around you.

Let your joy shine brightly, pointing others to the source of true joy—our Savior, Jesus Christ.