(Written and first shared during Advent 2020; revised 2021)
Joy…oh, Joy. How our relationship and my understanding of you has evolved. You are not merely the outward expression of happiness.
Yes, when we experience situational delight we might outwardly and expressively rejoice! But Joy, you are so much more.
Some are unaware that you run not from sadness, that you are startled not by grief. Though you often take a backseat to these emotions, you are not jealous and you patiently wait to be called upon for companionship.
I had a moment this week when pondering an exciting potential “happening” surrounding Christmas. I realized the hope that I have for this tentative thing—the thoughts that fill my heart for its possibility—brought me so much joy that my heart felt as if it might explode. Indeed, it felt like true joy—an awareness of genuine love in the innermost part of the soul. The thrill of hope, the joy of hope.
But joy is not always felt as emphatic excitement. Joy can be felt alongside seemingly contrary emotions. Sometimes, joy is simply a deep quiet contentment that cannot be expressed or explained.
Sometimes, joy is not felt at all, and that’s okay. It’s important to be authentic—true to our feelings and situations. Often, especially in the church, joy is spoken of in the context of feeling joyful, of behaving joyfully.
I cringe when these discussions and preaching are not met with the reality that it is perfectly normal, right, and human to be true to the seasons and circumstances that are plainly not joyful.
In Philippians we read Paul’s words, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” The Greek word translated to ‘rejoice’ is chaírete. It’s where we get the word charity. It’s largely used in the new testament as a greeting or farewell, such as “Be well!” or “Thrive!”
If we think of that passage, especially in times of difficulty, sadness, and grief, as “Be well in the Lord!” it can provide a great deal of comfort and charity—to others and to ourselves. To be well in the Lord does not mean to be happy but to be kind and gracious always, as the Lord is kind and gracious. Even, and especially, through times of suffering.
Whether you struggle with the disorienting reminder of a loved one who’s passed, or feel the stinging wounds of indifference or betrayal by someone you trusted; whether you feel delight about one aspect of life and a great amount of grief about another, may the fullness of joy be yours when you are ready and able to receive and experience it, and may you know that until then, joy waits, patient and eager to embrace you.
As we light the candle of joy this third week of Advent, let us do so with expectation.
Be well in the Lord!