Advent Joy

Imagine Mary’s fear when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. While giving birth to the Son of God was surely an intimidating prospect, Scripture tells us that there was something bigger than Mary’s fear: her desire to carry out the will of God.

“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 NRSV)

After receiving the angel’s news, her prayer wasn’t that God would spare her from shame or pain, or even give her peace. Peace came when she said yes to God’s will! And more than peace, she was filled with JOY!

Today, so much of our joy in this season is dependent on the traditions we associate with it. We say Christmas is about family, or giving gifts. But who hasn’t experienced a truly epic holiday fight, or been disappointed to see a loved one cast a gift aside that was chosen for them with care?

Christmas may include these things, but true Christmas joy comes from celebrating the fact that 2000 years ago a simple girl said yes to bringing our Savior into the world. Christmas is about the fact that today, God is asking us to repeat that yes when he asks us to spread his Good News.

When God asks you to bring his Son to your neighbor, will you respond with a joyful yes? How can you invite others to experience the true joy of this season?

Father, thank you for sending your Son into the world so many years ago. Thank You for blessing Mary with the courage to say yes to your will. Lord, I pray today that you would make me courageous enough to say yes to you when you ask me to bring your Son to those around me. Help me to seek you as my true source of joy this Christmas. In your Son’s precious name, amen.

Throughout This Day: Why not echo Mary’s words? “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 NRSV). Then watch God work in your life as you live in his will!