Yesterday was the third Sunday in Advent and so today I want to explore the theme of 'joy'. [In week 1 we looked at hope, and last week we looked at peace.]
When the angels came and spoke to the shepherds they claimed to have good news of great joy for all the people - that a saviour had been born. Next week at our Carol Service we will be singing the traditional version of 'Joy to the world'. But one of my favourite versions of this song is Chris Tomlin's 'Unspeakable Joy' from the album 'Glory in the Highest'.
Last week I took a Carol Service and used a great piece of writing by Bob Hartman entitled 'A Christmas Eve service for those who don't feel like celebrating' in which various participants take offence or question the possibility of the peace or the joy of the shepherds' message and through which we are encouraged to recognise and to pray for those who don't feel like celebrating this Christmas - whilst at the same time acknowledging that hope, peace, joy and love are available because of the baby who was born.
Personally this Christmas is going to be different. Many of you will know that in the summer, my sister, Carol died after a long on-off battle with cancer. And this Christmas will be the first time that we are all together again as a family since Carol's funeral and thanksgiving service. And along with many many families this Christmas as we spend time together we will be acutely aware of those who are no longer here. And so in amongst the joy of the season there will be sadness and no doubt a few tears.
But the joy of Christmas that the angels spoke about isn't dependant on presents, or good food and a celebratory drink. It's not even about time together with family. It's about being right with God, and the promise that Jesus is coming again. It's the joy that comes from knowing new life now and the hope of the resurrection to come.
