There is Joy in the realization of God’s promise.

Scripture Passage

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough — because there was no room for them at the lodging place.
-Luke 2:6‭-‬7

Message

On the day that Jesus was born, the long awaited Messiah had arrived! The entire world has reason to rejoice over this! Mary and Joseph were especially full of Joy.

As a parent, we sometimes do not get the full effect of the Joy of something being complete until it is. We can become excited about the idea of whatever is going to come, but it is when it does happen that we truly understand Joy. Our best experience with this is probably having our first child.

God shows us through these things that His promises are worth waiting for. As excited as we get about the mere prospect of His promise; it is the realization of that promise that brings us the most Joy!

Advent is about the expectation of His second coming. We are all excited about celebrating His First Advent, but our true Joy is yet to be realized. This is the time to prepare for that Joy. We should be enjoying everything God has to offer in this time so that we can really rejoice when He comes at the end.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Let us rejoice in the present so that we can truly know Joy in You. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.