An Advent Prayer for Joy
By Emma Danzey
Luke 2:10-11 says, “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'”
As we pray through the third advent candle, the candle of joy, may our hearts reflect on the beautiful message from the angel given to the Shepherds in the fields. The angel brought good news of great joy. This is what we have in Jesus; we have the good news of the gospel that God came down from heaven to us in the form of man and lived the perfect life and died a sinner's death and rose so that we might be saved. This baby, this long-anticipated Messiah whom the Jewish people prayed and waited many years for, had finally come. This leads to great joy in the lives of all who put their faith in Him.
Let's Pray:
Dear Savior,
You are the giver of joy and new life. We celebrate You and honor You today. Thank You for your constant care for us. Thank You that we are able to access the fruit of the Spirit's joy because You came down to us. Thank You that at this time of year, we are able to rejoice and be grateful for Your precious presence with us. We praise You for coming to earth in humility as a newborn child. God, we cannot begin to comprehend all that You have done for us.
Just like the shepherds were simple people, Lord, we are just regular individuals living life, but You have called us to greater things in Your name. You have given us a purpose, a calling, and a mission to be part of Your kingdom and to share that kingdom with others. May we not neglect the greatest joy of being your children and sharing Your good news of great joy with others. Forgive us when we hide this joy, and we keep it away from telling the world.
You tell us in Romans 15:13 that You are the God of hope who fills us with joy and peace. You say in Philippians 4:4 to always rejoice. You tell us in Psalm 16:11 that You make known the path of life, and in your presence, there is fullness of joy. You remind us that joy comes through gratitude, so Jesus, we thank You today. We are grateful for the life that you have given to us, for creating air, water, shelter, and food, for Your love, for our families, friends, mentors, and community, for our jobs, for our churches, for the sun, for the moon, for the perfectly established world to exist, for talents, and for Your great sacrifice on the cross. You are the Creator, so we praise You for making joy.
Lord, for those of us who feel down and discouraged right now. When we are overwhelmed, tired, or frustrated, help us not to sit in these states of mind but to press into the gift of gratitude to do battle with the enemy and truly see even the smallest things in life as a blessing. Help us not miss the wonderful gifts from You because of hurts, losses, and discouragement. Guides us by Your strength to choose joy and to fight for it each and every day.
You say in Psalm 30:11, “You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.” You tell us in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Lord, move me into a joy that leads to singing. There is such beauty in getting to voice Your praises and especially with others. Even though our happiness comes and goes, may Your joy be an anchor for our souls.
As we anticipate this new Christmas season, whether we are easily joyful or having to fight for it with Your help, may we look back at Your birth to help point us towards Your second coming to fill us with great joy. Amen.
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