Rev. Sharon Clegern, Director of Congregational Care, Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church
Greetings as we enter the Third Week of Advent, seeking and trusting God’s presence made known to us through joy.
For many, the word joy suggests an upbeat attitude—delight, happiness, or a lightness of spirit. Especially during the Advent and Christmas season, joy can feel poetic, even romantic. We imagine snow-kissed fields dotted with deer and small woodland creatures, scenes that whisper of a world somehow at peace. Creche displays invite us into sacred stillness, pointing toward the coming birth of Christ, yet they can also lull us into gentle—but false—expectations. While this season of waiting does call us to a deeper, more reflective spiritual posture, a true sense of joy often feels elusive. Beneath the glow of candles, people rush about carrying loss and grief, concern for conflicted workplaces and congregations, fear, fatigue and burnout, health worries, loneliness, and deep unease about the state of our world.
Our faith tells us that Advent joy is not about being cheerful or upbeat. Our joy comes from our deep assurance that God is closer than we think. Joy is not an emotion or mood we must summon, but a way of life with God whereby we know that God is present in every circumstance, regardless of calm or crisis.
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.” Isaiah 35:1-2
Isaiah boldly proclaims that “the wilderness shall be glad and the desert shall rejoice and blossom.” Joy in Scripture frequently starts in places that do not appear joyful. Spoken like a true prophet, Isaiah’s words must have been difficult to hear. He spoke them to a people who were living in exile, fatigued and disappointed. Surveying the landscape, taking in the reality of their circumstances, there would have been little to suggest joy, much less something to move them to rejoicing and singing. Isaiah’s message to them is the same message for us as we face our own anxiety, fatigue and disappointment – it is God’s presence that brings joy. It is God within us that makes possible to transform wilderness and deserts into abundant blooming landscapes. Joy is the assurance that God is already at work—comforting us in our grief, strengthening what is weary, and healing places we had long given up hope would ever change.
“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10
If joy feels fragile this Advent, take heart: God is still at work, even when the work feels unfinished and the waiting feels long. I invite you to look for joy, not in large and mighty displays, but in small ways with great reward – in an unexpected kindness, a word of forgiveness, in sharing our abundance, in singing Christmas hymns, in community, and in the hope that we experience even when we are weary from planning and merrymaking. Consider releasing the need for Advent to feel “successful.” Joy comes when we trust that God works through partial progress, imperfect sermons, and ordinary faithfulness.
May this Advent encourage you to look for joy and to make space for moments when joy surprises you. May you be reminded that God is already at work—drawing us closer in hope, peace, joy, and love.
