The Joy Of Advent: Anticipating Christ’s Coming With Joy

The Joy of Advent:

Anticipating Christ’s Coming with Joy

December 15, 2024

Dr. Bradford Reaves

Crossway Christian Fellowship

Romans 15:13, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:8-9, Luke 15:

As we continue our Advent journey, our focus shifts toward joy—the joy that comes with anticipating the coming of Christ and the joy that we, as believers, experience in Him. Advent is a time of hopeful expectation, but it’s also a season of deep, abiding joy. But what is this joy, and where does it come from? Let’s consider the source of joy, how joy can exist even in trials, the joy of salvation, and how heaven itself rejoices over the redemption of sinners.

I. The Source of Our Joy (Romans 15:13)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

The first thing we must recognize is that God is the source of our joy. In Romans 15:13, Paul prays that “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Here, Paul highlights the connection between joy and faith. Joy is not something we manufacture in our own strength—it is a gift from God. It is through faith in Jesus Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, that we experience joy and peace.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:3)

The Christmas Tree and the True Gift

There’s something undeniably special about the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree. For many of us, it’s a symbol of home, family, and the joy of the holiday season. I remember, as a child, the excitement of pulling out the decorations and setting up the tree with my family. The lights, the tinsel, the ornaments—each one brought a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. But perhaps the most magical moment was when the star or angel was placed on top of the tree, and we would step back to admire how the room seemed to come alive with warmth and light.

But it’s easy to forget the deeper meaning behind the Christmas tree. As beautiful and nostalgic as it is, the tree itself is just a backdrop to something much more important—the gift beneath it. We would get so caught up in the decorations, the presents, and the excitement that sometimes we could forget the real meaning of Christmas.

In the same way, our joy at Christmas can sometimes get distracted by the festivities. But the source of true joy isn’t found in the lights, the presents, or even the traditions—it’s found in the gift that was given to us: Jesus Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 15:13, God is the source of our joy and peace. He sent His Son to be our Savior, and it is in Him that we find our greatest joy.

As we decorate our Christmas trees and celebrate the holiday, let’s remember that the true gift is not under the tree but the Christ who came to bring peace between God and man. His birth is the light that illuminates the darkness of our hearts and fills us with joy that transcends the season itself.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)

This joy is not limited by the world’s circumstances. The joy Paul refers to is not based on our earthly comforts or successes. It is a deep, spiritual joy that remains even when life is hard, because it’s rooted in God’s goodness, His promises, and the hope of eternal life with Him. As we reflect on Christ’s birth during Advent, we are reminded that God Himself is the wellspring of joy. He has promised that through faith in His Son, we can experience a joy that transcends the hardships of this world.

II. Joy in Trials (James 1:2)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (James 1:2)

While the world associates joy with happiness, comfort, or ease, biblical joy is not dependent on circumstances. In James 1:2, we are instructed, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” This command to find joy in trials seems paradoxical, doesn’t it? How can joy exist in the midst of suffering? James teaches us that joy is not found in the absence of trouble but in the knowledge that trials test and strengthen our faith. When we experience hardship, we can rejoice knowing that God is at work in us, shaping our character and drawing us closer to Him.