Still We Rejoice (Advent Week 3)

"Complete Joy in an Incomplete Story"

As we move further into this Advent season, we still rejoice as we center our hearts on Jesus Christ, the true source of our joy. We remember the words that Jesus told His disciples,

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

(John 15:11) 

Jesus still offers us a complete joy that is abundant, resilient, and lasting. It’s not shallow, fake, or dependent on everything in our lives going right. We don’t need to feel happy all the time, nor do we need to express emotions that we don’t honestly have. Instead, we are invited into a sacred and soul-deep contentment that is based on knowing God truly cherishes us. We continue to rejoice because we have the kind of joy that can only be found in a hopeful expectation of the arrival of Christ into our lives.

Complete joy is neither ostentatious nor superficial. Rather, it is manifested as a steady, resilient, and deep-seated assurance that God is working on our behalf, even when we cannot see or know the outcome. Such joy can be very subtle, but it is still powerful enough to lift our spirits and renew our souls. During Advent, we reflect on how Christ's presence gives us strength and joy, as Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us: "the joy of the Lord is our strength," no matter our circumstances.

ADVENT ACTION: This week, choose one “act of joy”, something lifegiving outside of your regularly scheduled programming, that brings you joy. It does not have to be religious. For example, share a simple time of laughter or a meal with someone, create or enjoy an activity that lifts your spirit (music, art, crafts, cooking, a walk, etc.), or do a small act of kindness that brings joy to another person. Whatever you choose, be sure to take a moment to thank Jesus for being the one who makes our joy complete.

In all this, still we rejoice.

Peace and Blessings,

Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard

CBA Regional Executive Minister