Advent | Joy
“Joy is distinct not only from pleasure in general but even from aesthetic pleasure. It must have the stab, the pang, the inconsolable longing.”
After the events of the last year and a half, many of us would say that our joy has been shaken. My response to such a statement would be to ask, have we experienced joy?
One of my favorite books is by C.S. Lewis entitled, Surprised by Joy. This spiritual autobiography traces the intricate steps that led to Lewis' conversion to Christianity. But even more than that, it takes the reader through the complex journey toward his understanding of joy. As you read through the snapshots of Lewis' life, he experiences what he sees as "surges" of joy throughout his life, but never something he can quite grasp.
After years and years of searching for "joy," Lewis discovers that he has been trying to attain something that is, in essence, unattainable. Instead, he finds that true joy is a sense of longing for what this world cannot provide - but a signpost that points to a greater reality.
As 2021 comes to a close and we begin to "turn the page," I wonder if we have truly grasped the meaning of joy. After the events of the last year and a half, many of us would say that our joy has been shaken. My response to such a statement would be to ask, have we experienced joy?
At least three times in the Gospel of John, John speaks about joy being complete or fulfilled.
“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.”
“Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”
“But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”
Do you notice the common strand in each of these statements? Joy, as in Lewis’ own journey, is not the result of a pleasurable experience; it is the gift that God gives. It is that which is stirred within the soul when one puts his or her faith and trust in God, no matter one’s external situation. Joy never depends on the quality of one's life in a corrupt world but is a gift given by God for those who fully trust Him.
We can cover the streets with bright lights and happy decorations, but the reality is that weariness and brokenness are the louder theme of the year for many. But may I challenge you to reflect on the words from John?
-The bridegroom has come and brought joy to all who hear His voice (Jn. 3:29)
-There is a name greater than any other. A name that has all authority and power so that those who seek it and speak it will be stirred with intense joy. (Jn. 16:24)
-That there is a future promise, a coming of joy incarnate that those who believe long for with great anticipation. (Jn. 17:13)
Joy, as in Lewis’ own journey, is not the result of a pleasurable experience; it is the gift that God gives. It is that which is stirred within the soul when one puts his or her faith and trust in God, no matter one’s external situation. Joy never depends on the quality of one's life in a corrupt world but is a gift given by God for those who fully trust Him.
I pray that as we reflect on the unwavering joy we experience because of the steadfast character of the Father, we would come to the same discovery as Lewis: "Joy is the serious business of heaven...No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock, it is opened."
May we knock in the light and darkness. Seek when rested or weary. And when the door is opened, cling to the joy of the Lord that is our strength.