Joy: To know and experience the grace of God and to fully delight in it.
Yesterday was the second Sunday in the Advent countdown. At our local assembly, a family read a passage about joy and lit the candle of joy.
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 ESV
Joy is an interesting word.
One word study says this about it, “xaírō (from the root xar-, “favorably disposed, leaning towards” and cognate with 5485 /xáris, “grace”) – properly, to delight in God’s grace (“rejoice”) – literally, to experience God’s grace (favor), be conscious (glad) for His grace.”
I love the last sentence where joy is described as “literally to experience God’s grace (favor), be conscious (glad) for His grace.”
Kevin’s paraphrase “to know and experience the grace of God and to fully delight in it.” This joy exceeds superficial happiness; it comes from deep within. It transcends circumstances, and we can rejoice in the Lord no matter what.
Joy isn’t frivolous; it comes from deep in our experience with God and His unfathomable grace and mercy.
It’s why Paul can say,
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Our joy isn’t based on a transient feeling, on our “stars aligning,” or on some vague hope. It’s based on knowing we are safe in the hands of the one who will never let us go and will never disappoint.
Our joy is grounded in the one whose Son stepped out of heaven, incarnated as an infant, lived a sin-free life, was rejected, mocked, tortured, and killed. The grave could not hold Him; He walked out of it alive, with death and the grave defeated. He was seen by 1,000s and ascended into heaven. He’s returning for His church.
That’s cause for joy. Joy unspeakable. Joy continuously. Joy uncontainable.
Joy, joy, joy, down in my heart to stay.
Let everything that has breath rejoice and praise the Lord.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin