This is one of the Advent devotionals I have been using this season [shout-out to faculty colleague Troy Troftgruben, who is one of the contributors], and I really loved today’s reflection. Here it is; and I hope it sparks your own thinking about joy, and how you come alive in service to God and others!
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go out and do it, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman, in Violence Unveiled
The season of Advent and Paul’s letter to the Philippians are filled with calls for joy and rejoicing that can feel counter to worldly calls for work, labor, and consumption. While the world would have us believe that the source of our joy is found in achievements, accomplishments, and shiny purchases, the truth is that none of those things can guarantee our happiness—and more likely will only pull us further from true joy.
The joy to which we are invited this season may not look like worldly happiness, because it’s less a feeling and more a state of being, a way of living. As we give thanks to and put our trust in God, we find a peace that becomes our joy. We bring God’s vision for the world closer by loving and serving our neighbor, and knowing this removes some of the worry and distress in our lives.
As you wait this advent season, know that God wants you to experience deep joy. Seek out God’s joy for you. Trust that what makes you come alive is how God is calling you to love and serve your neighbors in the world
Prayer: Generous God, stir our hearts to see clearly what is life-giving and love-affirming in our lives. Help us see these things as your gifts of joy. Teach us to rejoice in you always. Amen.
Happy Lutheran 