JOY

JOY – 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C

               Joy according to the dictionary is “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires”. It further means “delight, gaiety, pleasure”. Spiritual joy, like spiritual peace or hope, is not identical to worldly joy. They are often related and the same things can bring both spiritual and worldly joy at times. But, they are different. Someone could have lots of worldly joy and lack spiritual joy. Someone could have lots of spiritual joy and lack worldly joy. Some may desire only what brings them spiritual joy. Others may desire only what brings them worldly joy. Many want both spiritual and worldly joys, and seek to work out a balance.

               To achieve that, worldly joys have to contribute to bringing spiritual joy. That means adjustments. Often, in the pursuit of spiritual joy, worldly joys will have to be moderated. Many worldly joys fade, assuming a different place in the desire for, in light of, and possession of spiritual joys. Someone may realize that they got a lot of joy from playing golf or cleaning the house, or sleeping on Sunday morning before they experienced the spiritual joy of worship. It’s good to keep the differences in mind of the two kinds of joy. Worldly joy may mean light hearted, a lack of something difficult, relief from some oppressive burden, a party, a holiday, fun, humor, the presence of friends, lots of food and drink, games, ease, pleasure, or traveling. For others, worldly joy may come from reading a book, watching a movie, or working on a hobby.

               Worldly joy varies with the desires of the individual person. What is joy for one person is a bore and chore for another. Watching sports brings joy to one and sadness to another. Eating pizza brings joy to one and sickness to another. Some get worldly joy from their pets: dogs, cats, fish. For others, that is a burden. Some get worldly joy from their possessions: cars, tv, clothes, jewelry, toys. Others get worldly joy from their work and involvement with various groups and causes. Many enjoy the simple joys of children, love, family, food and the beauties of nature. All worldly joys, so long as they are not sinful, excessive, or leading to neglect of other human needs, or are in conflict with higher spiritual joys, are good and even serve higher spiritual joys. Actually, those with spiritual joy enjoy worldly joys more.

               Spiritual joy, like worldly joy, is mediated through a number of different sources. It comes from desiring and seeking spiritual goods, God Himself, His reign, the teachings of scripture and faith, the Word of God, and from participating in the life of God, prayer, and the works of God. It comes from living a good life and having a guilt free, forgiven, and peaceful conscience. To sin is to risk losing or lessening spiritual joy. Not to repent or turn away from sin is to not be able to find or have spiritual joy. The Baptist called for people desiring the Messiah to repent.

               Zephaniah told the chosen people to “Shout for joy…Sing joyfully…Be glad and exalt…” because the Lord had removed the punishments against them for their sins, and turned their enemies away. A major cause of joy is the presence of the Lord, who rejoices over His people. Paul told the Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord always!” The reasons they could rejoice was their own generosity and “The Lord is near”.

               The heart and source of Christian joy is the nearness and presence of the Lord. Someone could be sick, undergoing trials of all kinds, and still have spiritual joy because of the presence of the Lord. Spiritual joy is not the absence of suffering, struggle, pain, sacrifice, and conflict, but the presence of the Lord through it. Sin and lack of repentance is the major obstacle to spiritual joy. Christian joy is a fruit of the Spirit. A spiritual fruit comes from something else: good works, the presence of the Lord, and desire for God. Spiritual joy comes to those who want the Lord to come to them.

               “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The fire means the purifying love and presence of God, which is the heart of spiritual joy. “With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.” Be joy filled!!