How Can I Have Joy?

This month, Coastal Church, along with churches all over the world, is celebrating the season of Advent, which simply means coming or arriving. For all of December, we are reflecting on the first Advent when God became one of us. This week, we lit the pink candle on the Advent wreath, representing joy, the fruit of the Holy Spirit that transcends our circumstances. 

Where does joy come from?

This past weekend Pastor Dave shared the rich theology found in the carol Joy to the World. He showed us that this song is so much more than a fun song at Christmastime; it’s also a bold proclamation of the Gospel. My favourite part of this song is the lyric inviting us to make room for Christ in our hearts – which is the proper response to the miracle of the incarnation. We are invited to allow Christ to be born in us. The first Advent brought Joy into the world, and we also look ahead in expectation to the second Advent when we will see Him “rule the world with truth and grace.” This is when we will have endless joy in His presence forever. True joy can only be found in God alone. In Luke 2:10, the angels appeared to the shepherds saying: 

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” 

Jesus is the reason for this great joy. This joy brings salvation, everlasting hope, and peace to our broken world. It’s a joy not based on feelings or the fleeting satisfaction of accumulating more stuff. No, this joy is the promise of His wonderful presence that will never leave or forsake us. While happiness relies on things going well, joy is the assurance that God is with us and that His promises are true. It was this joy that was introduced to the shepherds and is still available to us today. 

Joy in the waiting?

Advent is a season of anticipation; waiting can often feel difficult and even wearying. But joy reminds us that God is at work even while we are waiting. James 1:2-3 tells us:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” 

Advent encourages us to lift our eyes from our circumstances and remember that God can take even the worst situations and produce something good in us.

I recently came across a story from Corrie ten Boom that shows how someone can have joy amid a harrowing situation. 

“Corrie and her family lived in the Netherlands during World War II, where they operated a watch repair shop. Beneath their home, they built a secret hiding place to shelter Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Their home became a haven of hope and resistance in a time of great fear and oppression. Despite the risks, the ten Booms chose to act out of love and faith, believing that every life was precious to God.

In 1944, their efforts were discovered, and the Gestapo arrested Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their elderly father. While their father passed away shortly after their arrest, Corrie and Betsie were eventually sent to Ravensbrück, one of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps. The conditions were horrifying: overcrowded barracks, relentless labor, and an ever-present atmosphere of death and despair. Yet even in this terrible place, Corrie and Betsie chose to cling to their faith in God.

The barracks where they lived were infested with fleas, which only added to their misery. One day, during one of their secret prayers, Betsie reminded Corrie of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Betsie insisted they thank God for the fleas. Corrie initially resisted, struggling to find any reason for gratitude in such suffering. But they later discovered that the fleas kept the guards from entering their barracks, allowing them to hold clandestine Bible studies and worship sessions without interference. What they first saw as a curse became a profound blessing.

Despite the horrors around them, Betsie’s unwavering faith and joy shone brightly. She often told Corrie, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” These words became a source of strength not only for Corrie but also for the other prisoners. As Betsie grew weaker, she spoke of forgiveness and envisioned a ministry that would help others heal after the war. Her faith remained steadfast until the end, when she passed away in the camp.”

Corrie survived and went on to share their story worldwide. We even see her share parts of her story in the Alpha course. She carried Betsie’s message of forgiveness and joy that comes from trusting God even in the darkest valleys. She often said, “Joy runs deeper than despair,” a testimony to the sustaining power of God’s presence. 

The theologian Tim Mackie writes:

“This is very different from the trite advice to “turn your frown upside-down.” Christian joy is a profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jesus’ own life and love.”

Corrie’s life continues to inspire generations, reminding us that true joy is found in God, not our circumstances.

So, how do we live out this kind of joy?

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and needs to be cultivated and shared (Galatians 5:22-23). As we draw closer to Jesus, His joy becomes our strength (Nehemiah 8:10), equipping us to serve, encourage, and uplift others. For this Advent season, here are some practical ways to spread joy:

• Call or text your friends, family, or co-workers something encouraging. Tell them what you appreciate about them. 
• Spend time in worship, reflecting on the joy of Christ’s coming. Worship helps cultivate joy. When your heart is full of God’s love, it’s easier to share it. 
• Share the good news of Jesus with someone who needs to hear it and invite them to one of our Christmas services. 
• Serve others with acts of kindness – offer to shovel a snowy driveway, invite your neighbour for dinner, or give them a Christmas present.  

Each small act of joy-filled love can become a testimony of the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives.

Jesus’ joy is unique because it reveals how this supernatural joy is fueled by love and purpose.  Philippians 2:5-8 reminds us that Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” And Hebrews 12:2 tells us that it was “for the joy set before him” that He endured the cross. His joy came from fulfilling his Father’s will and revealed the incomprehensible love that He had for redeeming all of humanity.

Advent points us to the incredible truth that joy is not a fleeting emotion, but a steadfast assurance found in Christ. Lighting the pink candle this week helps us remember that Jesus is the ultimate joy-bringer. His arrival over 2,000 years ago changed the course of history, and His presence continues to transform us. His joy anchors us in life’s storms, sustains us in our waiting, and invites us to celebrate God’s goodness. This Advent season, may we continually open our hearts to the joy of our Saviour.