Although this is the last day to focus on joy in this Advent Season, joy doesn’t end at midnight tonight. The Bible teaches that joy is possible even in the most difficult times. That joy is something obtainable by rejoicing in our Lord.

As Advent Joy emphasizes, our joy is found in Jesus, in particular in this season, in his coming. In terms of today, think of a difficult situation you have that could continue on and on, and you long desperately for that day it will all end. Long for the doubt to cease, the misunderstandings that bring harsh words to stop, the pain that wraps around you to melt away to a life of peace and joy.

That is what the Israelites were experiencing. With them, it was hundreds of years of waiting for the promise of the arrival of the Messiah. Going through hardships in life, persecution, mockery…you name it, it was thrown at them. Yet, their hope continued. They chose to have joy in anticipation of the arrival of the predicted Savior.

Joy, like everything in our faith, is a choice. But, as believers, we need to recognize that joy is something like an imperative or perhaps even a moral obligation. In some modern interpretations of joy, it can often be defined the same as happiness, and joy is deeper, more vital than that. Watching puppies and kittens play makes me happy. But kittens and puppies do not bring me joy in knowing I have a provider, a comforter, a purpose, and a forever future with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Something to hold onto in all seasons of your life. Jesus gave true believers His Spirit to be with them always, and along with that came the fruit of the Holy Spirit, yours to embrace, cultivate, and not discard.

Galatians 5:22 ~ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,