Yesterday, I mentioned how biblical peace describes the current relationship between God and humanity, a state made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Bliss is a perfectly appropriate response to that peace.
There is a more exuberant emotion, too, the third theme of Advent. There is joy! It is so important, many churches use a pink- or rose-colored candle to mark the third Sunday of Advent. In some traditions the clergy even wear matching vestments, like these:
Just in case you’re wondering, I don’t want to wear that.
I do, however, want to celebrate joy! And when we talk about biblical joy, we mean an emotion that resides in us in all circumstances, even when we are experiencing what otherwise might be thought of as “bad times.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice,” Paul told the church at Philippi. (Philippians 4:4.)
Why? Think what we have been given:
The promise that all that has gone wrong, is going wrong and will go wrong will be made right.
The experience of God in this life, now.
Therein lies our joy. We are able to look at any negative situation and say, “You know what? That has already been defeated.”
Lord, may our experience of joy be as emotional as it is intellectual. And again, may others see in us what you are offering them. Amen.
Methodist Life 