Advent: A Picture Of Joy (With Communion) Series

Advent: A Picture of Joy (with Communion)

As we continue our journey through Advent, let me start with a question: What is your favourite joyful Christmas tradition or memory? Perhaps it’s decorating the tree, singing carols, or watching the excitement on a child’s face as they open a gift. These moments of joy remind us of something deeper—a longing for the true and lasting joy that only God can provide.

The story of Christmas is a story of joy. Not fleeting happiness tied to presents or celebrations, but a joy rooted in the faithfulness and presence of God. Today, as we look at the promise of joy, we will see how God’s faithfulness to His promises brings joy that transforms our lives.

1. Joy in the Promise: The Vision of Restoration

Isaiah 35:1-2, 10 (NLT): “Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon... Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.”

Isaiah paints a vivid picture of restoration and joy—a time when the barren wilderness will burst into life, and sorrow will be replaced by gladness. This promise pointed forward to the coming Messiah, who would usher in God’s kingdom and restore all things.

The Hebrew word for “joy” here is simHâ, which denotes a deep, abiding gladness rooted in God’s action. This joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on the certainty of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Isaiah’s vision wasn’t just about physical restoration but spiritual renewal, where God’s people would experience His presence and redemption.

How often do we let the “wilderness seasons” of life rob us of joy? When we face challenges, we can hold on to the promise that God is faithful and His restoration is sure. Like Isaiah’s vision, our joy comes from the certainty of God’s presence and His work in our lives.

Think of a barren garden transformed by rain. What once seemed lifeless bursts into vibrant colour and life. That’s the kind of joy God promises—a joy that turns desolation into abundance.

Psalm 30:5 (NLT): “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

God’s promises bring the assurance that no matter how dark the night, His joy will break through.

Tim Keller writes, “Joy is the deep assurance that God’s love and grace are sufficient for whatever we face. It is not based on our circumstances, but on the unshakable promises of God.”

2. Joy in Fulfilment: Mary and Elizabeth’s Faith

Text: Luke 1:39-45 (NLT): “A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, ‘God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.’”

Here, we witness the joy of fulfilment as Mary and Elizabeth celebrate God’s faithfulness. Mary carried the Messiah, and Elizabeth carried John the Baptist—the one who would prepare the way for Jesus. Their shared joy reflected their faith in God’s promises.

The baby leaping in Elizabeth’s womb (skirtao in Greek) was a physical response to the presence of the Messiah. Elizabeth’s proclamation, “Blessed are you among women,” highlights her recognition of God’s faithfulness to His word. Mary’s response in the Magnificat further reveals her joy in God as her Saviour.

Like Mary and Elizabeth, do we pause to recognise and celebrate God’s faithfulness in our lives? Even when circumstances seem challenging, we can find joy in knowing that God’s promises are being fulfilled.

Think of a long-awaited letter or package finally arriving. The anticipation turns to joy when what you hoped for is delivered. Similarly, Mary and Elizabeth’s joy flowed from seeing God’s promise fulfilled in their lives.

Psalm 126:3 (NLT): “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!”

When we recognise God’s work in our lives, we can’t help but rejoice.

Rick Warren says, “Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.”

3. Joy that Overflows: Transforming Our Lives

Luke 1:46-47 (NLT): “Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!’”

Mary’s joy wasn’t private—it overflowed into praise. The joy of knowing Jesus transforms our hearts, attitudes, and actions. When we experience His presence, it changes how we live.