Advent: The Promise Of Joy Psalm 16:11; Luke 1:39-56 Series

Advent: The Promise of Joy Psalm 16:11; Luke 1:39-56

Theme: Jesus brings joy that goes beyond circumstances.

Key Verse: Luke 1:47 – “How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!”

Introduction

Today, we continue our Advent series by exploring the beautiful truth of joy. Joy is something our world often misunderstands. People search for joy in fleeting pleasures, possessions, or accomplishments. But as followers of Christ, we know that true joy is found in a person, not in possessions or circumstances.

The promise of joy in the Christmas story is not merely a seasonal sentiment; it is an eternal reality. Our text today reminds us that joy is not dependent on life’s ups and downs but rooted in the unchanging nature of our Saviour.

1. The Joy of Anticipation – Mary’s Visit to Elizabeth

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.”

Here, we find Mary—recently visited by the angel Gabriel—hurrying to visit her relative Elizabeth. Both women carried miraculous pregnancies: Elizabeth was bearing John the Baptist in her old age, and Mary carried the long-awaited Messiah. The meeting between these two faithful women is marked by overwhelming joy.

The Greek word used for "leaped" here, skirtao, conveys a vigorous, joyful movement, almost like a dance. Even the unborn John the Baptist recognised the presence of the Messiah and responded with joy! Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, affirmed Mary’s faith and proclaimed her blessed among women.

Like Mary and Elizabeth, we can find joy in the anticipation of God’s promises. Do you feel the joy of knowing that God’s plans are being fulfilled in your life? Even in uncertain times, we can rejoice because God is faithful.

Imagine receiving news that someone you deeply love is coming to visit you. The excitement builds as you anticipate their arrival. This is the kind of joy Mary and Elizabeth shared, only greater, because they were part of God’s redemptive plan.

Isaiah 35:10 (NLT): “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.”

God’s promises always lead to joy because they are certain and eternal.

John Piper says, “Joy is the echo of God’s life within us.” When we are filled with His Spirit, joy becomes our natural response to His presence.

2. The Joy of Salvation – Recognising Jesus as Saviour

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

In her song of praise, known as the Magnificat, Mary expressed her deep joy in God. Notice that her joy was not based on her circumstances—after all, she was a young, unmarried woman in a challenging cultural context. Her joy came from recognising that she was part of God’s plan to bring salvation to the world.

The term "Saviour" (soter in Greek) refers to one who rescues and delivers. Mary acknowledged her own need for salvation and rejoiced that God had chosen her to carry the Saviour of the world. This joy is available to all who trust in Jesus as their Redeemer.

Do you recognise the depth of your need for salvation? When we truly understand the weight of our sin and the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice, we can’t help but rejoice in the gift of salvation.

Think of someone drowning in a stormy sea, desperately clinging to hope. When a rescuer reaches out and pulls them to safety, the joy they feel is indescribable. That is the joy we experience when we grasp the magnitude of what Christ has done for us.

Psalm 51:12 (NLT): “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”

Salvation brings a joy that nothing else can provide—a joy that is renewed as we walk closely with God.

Charles Spurgeon said, “There is a marvellous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart.” Salvation joy transforms our hearts and lives.

3. The Joy of Sharing – Spreading the Good News

Luke 1:56 (NLT): “Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back to her own home.”

Though this verse may seem ordinary, it highlights Mary’s willingness to share life and joy with Elizabeth during a season of expectancy. As the mother of the Messiah, Mary would eventually carry the greatest joy to the world.

The joy of the Gospel is not meant to be kept to ourselves. The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds—“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10)—reminds us that the message of Christ’s birth is for everyone.