Advent Devotionals: Day 14

Among other things, the Pharisees were joy-stealers. They thought that any form of celebrating was very unspiritual. In their twisted thinking, the religious life is one of self-inflicted suffering and “other-imposed” misery. Perhaps this holiday season we are being influenced by our own set of “Bah Humbug!” Scrooges. To them, the holidays are a miserable waste of time and effort.

Using the analogy of a wedding party, Jesus answered that as long as Christ the Bridegroom was present with them there was too much joy for “doom and gloom.” The whole story of the life of Christ, our Bridegroom—including His birth—is full of joy!

Mary rejoiced when she received the news she would be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:47). When pregnant, Mary came near Elizabeth (who was pregnant with John the Baptist) Elizabeth cried out, “…the baby leaped in my womb for joy” (Luke 1:44). When the Magi saw the star that led them to Jesus “they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy” (Matthew 2:10). And let’s not forget the timeless words spoken by an angel to the shepherds: “…I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11).

Don’t let anyone or anything steal your joy! Sing…and sing loud enough to be heard by the Scrooges: “Joy to the World. The Lord is come….” And then: “Repeat the sounding joy!”

Prayer: Lord, Jesus, my Bridegroom, I joyfully come to You and celebrate our eternal relationship.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation