Enduring Joy: The Third Week Of Advent
A joyful and faith-centered look at the true meaning of spiritual joy at Christmas and why Advent points hearts toward lasting joy found in Jesus.
Joy at Christmas is deeper than seasonal cheer, warm wishes, or fleeting happiness; it is a soul settled gladness rooted in Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays are kind and generous greetings, yet Scripture points to something far richer than either word can carry. Advent invites a slower and more thoughtful posture. Today, the third Sunday of Advent, we should center our Christmastime on the truth and experience of joy. This joy is not dependent on circumstances, schedules, or surroundings. It is spiritual, enduring, and anchored in truth.
What Spiritual Joy Really Is
Joy is often confused with happiness, but Scripture draws a clear distinction. Happiness responds to what happens. Joy flows from what is known and believed to be true.
John Piper offers a clear and helpful definition that captures the heart of biblical joy.
Joy is a good feeling in the soul produced by the Holy Spirit as He causes us to see the beauty of Jesus in the Word and in His works.
Joy begins in the soul, not the body. It may show itself outwardly, but it does not originate there. Joy is not self-produced. It is given.
Joy Comes From the Holy Spirit
Scripture teaches that joy is not something a person manufactures through effort or attitude. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, evidence of His presence and work.
BUT THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT ARE LOVE, PEACE, JOY, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF CONTROL. Galatians 5:22
Joy is listed alongside love and peace, showing its spiritual origin. This joy grows as the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to truth and turns our attention toward Christ. It is not shallow or fragile. It remains steady even when life is hard.
Joy Grows Through Knowing Jesus
True joy deepens as Jesus is seen more clearly, both in Scripture and in creation.
ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD BREATHED… 2 Timothy 3:16
The Word of God consistently points to Jesus. From Genesis through Revelation, Scripture reveals His character, His promises, and His redemptive work. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Word so it can be understood, applied, and treasured. As truth takes root, joy follows.
God’s works also declare His glory. Creation, providence (God’s careful and faithful work in the world), and the work of redemption all reflect the beauty of Christ. The Holy Spirit sharpens spiritual sight so Jesus is recognized in what God has made and in what God is doing.
Why Joy Strengthens the Heart
Scripture reminds believers that joy is not passive. It strengthens.
THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH. Neh 8:10.
This joy does not deny difficulty or pain. Instead, it steadies the heart by anchoring hope in who God is and what He has promised. Confidence in God’s faithfulness brings resilience. Joy grows as trust deepens.
The Source of Christmas Joy
Christmas joy is rooted in the gospel. Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, entered the world to save sinners. Through His life, death, and resurrection, a broken relationship with God is restored. Salvation is not earned. It is a free gift received by faith in Christ and His finished work.
That truth is the foundation of lasting joy.
Advent joy looks beyond the manger to the cross and forward to eternal life. This joy does not fade with the season. It remains because Christ remains. May that same joy and truth continue to fill your heart, your home, and every word you share. And may this season draw hearts gently and steadily toward Jesus, where true joy always begins and remains.
Scripture To Ponder On This Week
BUT THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT ARE LOVE, PEACE, JOY, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, AND SELF CONTROL. AGAINST SUCH THINGS THERE IS NO LAW. Galatians 5:22 23
May this season be marked by deep and abiding joy, the kind that only the Lord gives.
Happy and blessed Sunday, friends…
God’s Blessings to you and your family on this most Holy Day!
Beautiful! You shared JOY so well….and I love the Bible verse! May you find JOY this Christmas!! Thank you for all you do & all you share! Blessings to you and your family this holiday !
So inspiring, thank you! Wishing all much JOY as we celebrate our Savior’s birth!
As I sit in Church , on this fourth Sunday in Advent, I will ponder these scriptures. A blessed holiday season to all.
Thank you for posting today. I needed it. Most joyous wishes to you and your family.
Joy in my soul comes most during the candle light service when the only sound you hear are the voices singing about that wonderful night our Saviour was born. The lights are lowered and the candle light reminds us that Jesus is truly the Light of the world!
I love that too, Rebecca!
Merry Christmas, thank you for Sunday studies. Do you have any books or daily devotions? I love your teachings
No I have no devotional books but would love to write one!
You should!!
Thanks for the encouragement. Merry Christmas.
Amen. Wishing you and yours the most blessed and joyful Christmas ever.
That is so true, Yvonne! The JOY of the Lord is my strength! This year has been really tough on my family physically and at times mentally. My husband and I have both had hospital and ER visits and quite a few things have gone wrong with our house causing some hefty financial issues we weren’t prepared for. Due to my medication and just the sheer stress of it all, I didn’t handle it well and cried out to God where are you? But then I realized that HE was there all the time carrying and lifting me up through my family and friends and HIS word! Even though we went through trials, HE was teaching to lean on HIM every step of the way. God has blessed us so much! My husband retired from the police force, my daughter just gave birth to our first grandbaby, and we are well and happy going into 2018. Thank you for sharing the JOY of the Holy Spirit! Have a JOYOUS Christmas!
So happy for the joys in your life, Babette.
I am being filled with joy by the Holy Spirit as I anticipate the glorious celebration of our Savior’s birth! Blessings to you and yours , Yvonne, as the Love ? of the 4th Sunday of Advent fills our hearts! Yes
Yvonne, I thoroughly enjoy your posts about decor and ideas to make my home prettier, but when you write about our Lord and our faith, it speaks to my heart and soul. Please don’t ever stop posting these encouraging thoughts. Our extended family has been struggling with joy this year. John Piper’s definition is perfect, and will be displayed in our home to remind us. Thank you for sharing.
I have read the “fruits of the spirit” verse (Gal. 5:22) a million times – it hangs on my wall near my kitchen. Why have I never really noticed “joy”? It truly is a gift from the Holy Spirit! It’s not “created” by me – my extroversion – my friendliness – my bubbly personality – but a gift from God! Sounds so simple, yet this speaks to me today! Thank you! Merry Christmas! <3
Love and Joy to you and your family this holiday season. I loved your post today on the Joy of Christmas and it’s meaning. This is a special time of the year to share the Joy with family and friends. We celebrated our Joy with family yesterday. And our four year old grandson told the christmas story of baby Jesus birth and why we celebrate Christmas. He brought joy and happiness to us all.
You must have been filled with such joy!
Thank you for sharing the JOY that our Lord brings to those who know and love Him!
So wonderfully put. Blessings to you and your family. On our way to Denver for a Clark Griswald Christmas vacation! 10 of us together for 5 days. Can’t wait.
Yvonne,
Much joy to you! I recently came across your blog and have been blessed to not only have decorating tips but most importantly to be connected to you through our love for Jesus! I connect to your explanation of JOY. This year is the first year we will be celebrating Christmas without our children. I texted them and showed a picture of their annual ornament. Each word I typed generated tears of joy and hope for them, for us, and for the world. Thank you for everything you do to feed the many aspect and complexities of who we are and who we strive to be. Thank you for recognizing the most precious Gift, Jesus!
Hi Denise. I know how hard that is. I too have been there. I pray that you can get together soon and celebrate Christmas with them.
Love, peace and joy to you and yours!
I so agree with Babette, though I enjoy your posts , the devotionals are my favorite. I have been feeling sad as I read about people celebrating Christmas with no mention why we celebrate. With Jesus as our Savior we truly have a reason for a celebration of Joy unspeakable! A Merry and blessed Christmas to you and your family.
P.S. I hope you do write a daily devotional book someday!
I was at Christmas Eve church tonight with my whole family. And we were singing Christmas Carols and I was so overcome with JOY!!! Tears of joy streamed down my face as I praised my LORD with my family! Just a peek at heaven.
Love your blog about finding joy in Christmas and Jesus!! Peace and joy to you and your family!!
And to you Susan!
Yvonne, it seems there are many variations of Advent, with different words for each of the Sunday’s leading up to Christmas? Do you know if there is a definitive source as to which words are the correct ones? Thanks. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
WOW!!!! What a beautiful message !!! Thank you for such awesome blessing with this message!!! God bless and wishing you and your family a blessed Merry Christmas of J-O-Y
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Yvonne. Thanks for sharing Piper’s definition. Love how much he loves our Lord!
Joy to you and your family! I love your blog and everything you post. Have a joyful Christmas.
Thanks, Denise
Wonderful message for this time of the year. A blessed Christmas to you
Yvonne,
Thanks for helping us understand the J O Y of the Lord. I enjoy your Sunday lessons so much. I wish you peace and J O Y for the coming year.
jean
What you shared is so true. Being saved is the only thing that matters being made right with God and adopted into his family. I don’t know about you but I’m listening for the trumpet call of God to meet the Lord in the air! I’m glad I found your blog. Your sister in Christ Jesus.
Yvonne
JOY to your and yours this CHRISTmas season!
Thank you, Yvonne. I am ever grateful to you for this joyful post! I needed to read and ponder these words today, perhaps more than any other of the busy days before Christmas. I got up this morning feeling anxious and fretting over all of the “things” I had yet to accomplish before Christmas Day. I read this and realized I wasn’t thinking about JOY! Joy is the reason for the most important Christmas preparation, the preparation of our hearts for unspeakable joy. It is not felt by purchasing presents, gift wrapping, baking and meal planning…it is found only in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Nothing in this world can compete with the joy we find in Him, especially on the day of his birth.
Thank you for such a wonderful message. God bless you and your family with JOY and a safe holiday season. My grandson is in the Navy and home from Japan and I am over the moon! God is good!
Yvonne, Praying blessings of joy be showered upon you and your family this Christmas season and all year through. Good inspirational this week. Thank the Father for His unfailing love for us through Jesus, our Savior and Lord, and for the Holy Spirit who brings comfort, peace and joy!
Such a beautiful post! Wishing you a very merry, happy and JOYFUL Christmas! Thank you for sharing the beauty of your life and home.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful message with me. You have taught me so much over the years and I thank you so very much. Have a joyous Christmas.
Merry Christmas, Debbie!
Thank you for your wonderful blog today. I agree that we need all of the gifts from God. I especially want love, peace and JOY in my soul.
Merry Christmas
I look forward to daily inspirations.