Listening for Joy
An Advent Reflection and an Awesome Playlist
What are moments in your life where you experienced a heightened sense of joy?
I’ve been thinking about it this morning. I think of time spent with my friends in high school, poking fun at each other while we played ping pong and Mario Kart. I think of ridiculous adventures with a best friend, like the time when his car broke down on the way home from a hike and the tow truck driver was on a date, so he asked us to ride in the broken car on top of the flatbed. I think of sitting around a table at the pub with a group of friends. I think of my wedding day and the days when my daughters were born.
And I realized something: Joy rarely comes to me in solitude. Most often I feel it in the context of relationship.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”
Luke 2:8-12 (NIV)
In Advent we celebrate the good news that brings the greatest joy: the good news that God came to us to be in relationship with us. What’s interesting is that the good news is received in relationships. The shepherds hear the good news together, the Magi travel to see the new born king together, Mary processes everything with Joseph and her cousin Elizabeth. Speaking of joy, is there a more joyful verse in all of scripture than Mary and Elizabeth’s greeting (Luke 1:39-45)?
As you go out and listen to your community look for where your neighbors are finding joy and connection. But also look for neighbors who are hurting and disconnected. We are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness in the United States. The cure for loneliness is meaningful connection. As you listen maybe you’ll find people who are longing for community. What might the good news that brings great joy mean for them?
The Advent Joy Playlist
Now it’s time to enjoy a fun (and very random) Listening Church Advent Joy Playlist, created by your fellow readers. It’s a fun one!