This week’s advent lesson focuses on the theme of joy. There are a few different scripture readings {as there are each week}, but it’s quite easy to pinpoint the underlying ideals. It pretty much screamed out to me this week {unlike some parts of the Bible, where I’m left thinking, “What did I just read?”}. So, on with joy!
The scriptures that I will focus on are Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 and Psalm 126. It’s probably obvious that the “Joy” referenced in advent lectionaries is the joy and excitement leading up to JC’s birth {New Testament readings}. For as long as I can remember, we always celebrated Christmas Eve with a birthday cake for JC — which I think, as a little girl, helped me realize the importance and the excitement of the event.
But what I love about the Psalms and Isaiah readings is that they focus on the excitement and joy in God’s care and everlasting love for His people, even after hardship. Essentially they say, “God takes care of us, despite un-pleasantries and difficult times.
“When the Lord restored his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. and the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” ~ Psalm 126
So often we are told to not stress and to not worry — that God obviously has a much bigger plan in our lives that we aren’t always privy to. Whether there is some hard times and suffering along the way or it’s smooth sailing, to me, knowing that it’s all part of “The Plan”, gives me great comfort and joy. He will care for us and in the end, we will be rewarded for our patience, hard work and steadfastness.
It’s hard to sometimes swallow all of that in the midst of a rough patch or two. When I was stationed overseas it was a rather difficult time. Between work being a slaughter house and missing home dearly, it was a pretty stressful and dark period in my life. But I knew that in the end, it all had a purpose and many a time, that provided the comfort and joy I needed to get from day to day. I know that my life is not a mirror for everyone but I hope that everyone can find some level of comfort in knowing and experiencing this same joy this advent season.
