Advent: Why Joy?
“You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest…” Isaiah 9:3
Why celebrate joy at advent? Why not celebrate the promise that God will meet every need, or that He will make His children wealthy or wise? Why joy? Let's go back to the beginning and see what God intended versus what happened.
In Genesis chapter two we read the account of the creation of man, but not just that, we also read the account of the creation of the home of man.
“...then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.” Genesis 2:7-8
The garden in Eden was a place of peace, joy, provision, and most importantly, the presence of God. In fact the name “Eden” means paradise. This is what God intended when He created man. He wanted man to enjoy His creation but sin creeped in like a snake and things went downhill from there.
God created man, gave him a home, a job, rules, and a wife, Eve. Satan crept in and deceived Eve, and Adam followed. Sin entered the world and now God had to do something about it. This is, seemingly, where the joy ends, but God moved. He confronted His children and then punished all guilty parties. But He did not stop there, He made a promise to Adam and Eve that He would bring restoration. He would restore joy!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
God sent His son to bring peace between God and man. Jesus was born into a world full of sin. His assignment was to show man how to live as God intended, in His presence, not in sin. Chist is the fulfillment of the promise that God made to restore man to Himself. God will one day bring all His children to live with Him eternally. As we consider the joy of the season, let us not reduce it to only gifts under the tree or time with family, but look to the everlasting joy that comes from a restored relationship with God through Christ, our King!
Lets pray about it:
Lord, thank you for the promise of joy to those who know you as Savior. Thank you for restoring joy in the world through Your Son, Jesus. Help us to recognize and celebrate true joy in this advent season! In Jesus name, Amen.
Let's sing about it:
O Holy Night by Maverick City Music