Advent is a time for waiting and hoping, a time of longing for the promises of God to be fulfilled.
Christmas is the time when we remember that God came down to a broken and hurting world, stepping into the mess to bring us hope, peace, love and joy.
You are warmly invited to use the daily Bible verses and reflections to expectantly journey through Advent as we ponder Finding Hope.
Week 4 – The Hope of Joy
We’re into the final week of Advent! The busyness is in full swing and the exctitement of Christmas day is building. We’ve reflected over this season on Christian Hope, and on how that hope is for all people. How in finding that hope we can find peace and love. This week we ponder how that hope brings us joy, and we do so by thinking about the very first Christmas!
Day 1 – Donkey.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Although the gospel accounts make no mention of the donkey, I like to think Mary didn’t have to walk the whole way to Bethlehem! Donkeys play an important part in Bible times, carrying Jesus into Jerusalem, talking to Balaam and joining Noah on the ark! I can picture the lowly donkey as the carol suggests “plodding onward with your precious load”. Sometimes our life journey isn’t exciting or grand, but slowly plodding along is the answer. Sometimes we get weary and laden down but when we have Hope, we can find joy even in those difficult times. Not a frivolous joy but a joy that knows however low we feel, Jesus is with us every step of the way.
Day 2 – Mary.
And Mary said “My soul magnifies the Lord my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47
Pope Francis once said, “Hope is what Mary, Mother of God, sheltered in her heart during the darkest time of her life.” Whilst pregnancy in normal circumstances might have meant joy and hope, for Mary at such a young age unmarried and pregnant she faced stoning. I imagine being visited by the Angel was terrifying and exciting. But her steadfast faith in God, her hope for a better future for her family, her tribe and her nation meant she trusted in the seemingly impossible. When she gave her yes to God she found joy; joy in motherhood, in being obedient to her calling, joy that was rooted in hope. What brings you joy?
Day 3 – Joseph.
The Joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Joseph is sometimes overlooked in the Christmas story. But the role he played in the life of Mary and Jesus can’t be understated. Against probably all advice he married his pregnant fiancé, knowing that he was not the father. He raised a first born son he knew wasn’t his, he lived with Jesus talking about his father in heaven, I imagine it must have been tough for Joseph. His actions took courage, they took trust and wisdom and I imagine they took love; not just of Mary but of God. Joseph trusted in Yahweh, he knew that the Angel who visited him spoke truth, and because of that he had hope. Has hope ever made you brave?
Day 4 – Shepherds.
True joy is found in the presence of God. Psalm 16:11
Meek, lowly and amongst the poorest in society, the shepherds were hardly the cream of the crop! Yet they were visited by the glory of God, the angelic host sang of Gods glory revealing to the shepherds the birth of the saviour. What disbelief and joy they must have felt! It fills me with hope that God sees those who are overlooked. Have you ever felt meek, lowly or invisible? The good news is God is interested in us, He cares. We are important to Him. Just like the shepherds we are welcome at His birth, He calls us to worship him. This Advent may we be touched again by God’s love for us, as the shepherds ran to the stable with joy may we run to the love of Jesus and find ourselves home.
Day 5 – Angels.
Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Psalm 100:1
The joy of the angels is clear and audible for all! As they sing and exalt the son of God they shine light to a broken world and offer joy to the hearts of the shepherds. The hope of joy can be found in Advent despite our circumstances and the troubles of the world. Biblical joy is about faith in Jesus and knowing joy despite our burdens. It’s secure, like hope, in Jesus. We can walk in joy because we know who we worship, we know His love for us and like the angels we can sing of the joy of Emmanuel. Why not sing a song of Joy today- find your favourite carol and crank up the volume!
Day 6 – Wise Men.
When they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matthew 2:10
Today as we think about the Magi we see them finding joy after a long journey; having travelled for miles to pay homage to the baby. The gospels tell how the Magi knew the star they followed was a sign. It filled them with hope. Life is often compared to a journey and so often we look for signs on the way. We seek signs of reassurance, of confirmation, of hope and of love. In return for following the star the Magi offer their signs of respect as they bow down and worship, their gifts prophetic signs of what was to come. Today, how might we see signs of hope in our journey?
Day 7 – Jesus.
And you shall have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at His birth. Luke 1:14
Our journey through advent is almost over…tomorrow we celebrate Christmas. The hope of joy, indeed the hope of Advent couldn’t settle anywhere other than with Jesus. His birth, his incarnation is the very crux of our faith. God in human form, come to earth to show us love, to bring hope and peace and joy. God loves you…just as you are. He offers to you a hope for the present and the future. This Christmas as we discover again hope, peace, love and joy may we truly know what it is to be loved by the Prince of Peace and the saviour of the world; who came to earth as a baby and grew to die on a cross so that we might be restored to God. In Him this Advent we find all we need, we find love and acceptance, we find purpose and calling, we find peace and joy and ultimately we find Hope.
God of all joy,
We come before you in praise and thanksgiving for all who have brought us joy.
Lead us from the darkness and uncertainty of this world into an Advent of expectation.
We praise you that the light has come and will not be overcome. We pray that through prayer and reflection and through your grace the Christ-child may be born in us anew this Christmas.
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