The Season of Advent: Joy in the Journey
The season of Advent is a time of expectation. The very word Advent means "expectation" or "coming." Just as the world long ago anticipated the arrival of a Savior, we now live in expectation of His return. As long as we live in this world, our lives are part of a greater journey—a journey of faith, hope, and purpose.
Christmas: A Time of Journey
When we look closely at the Christmas narrative, we realize that it is also a story of journeys. Every major figure in the story of Christ's birth undertook some form of a journey.
The Bible itself is filled with stories of journeys, from beginning to end. The journey began with Adam and Eve as they departed from the Garden of Eden, starting their new life in a broken world. Then there was Abraham, whom God called from a remote place to embark on an unknown journey. Abraham obeyed God's command to go to a land he had never seen, trusting that God would guide him. We see this theme of journeys woven throughout Scripture—through the lives of prophets, apostles, and even the Christmas story itself.
Mary's Visit to Elizabeth
Mary was pregnant because the angel told her she would conceive through the power of God. She struggled with this news, uncertain and overwhelmed. When she questioned how this could happen, given that she was a virgin, the angel reassured her, explaining that it was God's doing. To strengthen her faith, the angel shared another miracle: Mary’s relative, Elizabeth, who had been barren for many years, was now expecting a child in her old age.
After hearing this message, Mary decided to take a journey to visit Elizabeth. This decision was significant. In her time of doubt and confusion, she sought someone who could understand her situation and offer comfort.
When we face challenges that confuse or overwhelm us, we can learn from Mary’s example. There are moments in life when we need to step away from the chaos and seek clarity. It might mean leaving distractions behind—turning off phones, avoiding the news, and disconnecting from everything that pulls us away from God and inner peace. Spending time with ourselves, in nature, and with God can bring a renewed sense of purpose and joy.
When Mary met Elizabeth, who was six months pregnant with the baby who would later become known as John the Baptist, something extraordinary happened. The baby in Elizabeth's womb leaped with great joy. In that moment, both women were filled with overwhelming joy and broke into song.
These songs became two of the greatest expressions of worship, celebrated by churches throughout history. Elizabeth’s song is known as “The Beatitude of Elizabeth,” while Mary’s song is called the “Magnificat.”
Their encounter is a profound testament to the joy and praise that comes from recognizing God’s hand at work in their lives and the lives of their children.
Life often surprises us with unexpected challenges. It might be a shocking medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or another trial that shakes us deeply. These moments can feel like the end of the world, but they are not. They are pieces of the puzzle God is putting together in our lives, even if we don’t understand them in the moment.
Still, in the midst of these challenges, we can choose joy. I once heard of a woman who answered every phone call by saying, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” When her husband passed away, she continued to greet callers in the same way. When people asked her how she could maintain such faith even in her grief, she responded, “God has given me one more day to live, and I will rejoice. My husband is in a better place. Why should I be miserable?”
Her story is a powerful reminder that every moment is a gift from God, meant to be cherished and lived with joy. Those we love, who have gone before us, are now enjoying the presence of God. We, too, can celebrate the life we have, knowing that one day we will join them.
Journey to Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, shepherds journeyed to see the newborn Savior, and the Wise Men followed a star across vast distances to worship the King. Each of these journeys teaches us something profound about faith, obedience, and joy along the way.
In one of my books, Joy in the Journey, I reflect on how we often focus solely on the destination. For instance, when we plan a vacation to a beautiful place like Alaska or Hawaii, our minds are fixed on the joy we expect to experience when we arrive. Similarly, if we are traveling to visit loved ones we haven’t seen in years, the excitement of reuniting with them fills our hearts with joy. In these moments, the destination becomes our source of happiness.
Take Mary and Joseph, for example. Their journey to Bethlehem was not by choice. A decree had been issued that everyone must return to their hometown to register for taxes. For Joseph and a pregnant Mary, that meant a difficult journey of 15-20 miles over treacherous roads, perhaps on foot or by donkey.
When they arrived in Bethlehem, they faced yet another trial—there was no room for them in the inn. Imagine the exhaustion, frustration, and confusion they must have felt. And yet, through all of those events, God was at work. What seemed like problems were actually part of a divine design. The Savior of the world was born in a humble manger, surrounded by animals, as part of God’s perfect plan.
Life often feels like a puzzle. We don’t always understand why certain events happen—a sickness, a broken relationship, a separation from loved ones. These pieces may not make sense on their own. But when we step back and look at the big picture, we can trust that God has a purpose for each part of our lives.
My grandson always reminds me when we work on a puzzle, "Look at the box, Papa!" The box shows the big picture, the final design. In the same way, we must look to God, who holds the full picture of our lives. He knows how every piece fits together, even when we don’t.
As Christians, we are also on a journey—a journey toward a final destination. We are pilgrims and sojourners in this world, living a temporary life. Our ultimate destination is eternity, the life after death that God has promised through His Son, Jesus Christ. This destination is what gives us hope, joy, and peace. But what about the journey itself?
The Journey Matters, not just the destination
It's easy to focus so much on the destination that we miss the value of the journey. The truth is, the journey may not always be comfortable or enjoyable. In fact, it may be filled with challenges, discomfort, and trials. Yet, the way we approach our journey is a choice we make.
Let me share a personal story. Every year, my wife and I travel to visit my mother, who is now 95 years old and approaching 96. Seeing her is one of the greatest joys of my life. Though she cannot see or hear well, she always knows who we are, and the time we spend together is precious beyond words.
But getting to her is no easy task. It involves a 22-hour flight, with long stretches of sitting in a cramped airplane seat. There are brief layovers—sometimes in the Middle East or Europe—but most of the journey is exhausting and uncomfortable. At times, I find myself just wanting to get there and be done with the travel. I could easily spend those 22 hours grumbling, complaining, and making myself miserable. Or, I can choose to make the best of the journey—to rest, reflect, and anticipate the joy of being with my mother.
This choice is one we all face. While the destination—eternity with Christ—is exciting and certain, how we approach our journey matters just as much. Will we complain and let the hardships of life steal our peace? Or will we choose to find joy even in the challenges, trusting that God is with us every step of the way?
Making the journey joyful
Yes, it’s a choice that you and I have to make. I used to work for a company with a well-known slogan: "Work hard, have fun, and make history." There was no question about working hard—the company had all the systems, processes, and management structures in place to ensure you gave it your best. But they also emphasized the importance of enjoying life while you worked. How can you enjoy life when you have to work so hard? That’s where perspective comes in. Working hard doesn’t have to make you miserable. It’s all about how you approach it. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, maybe that’s not the place for you. But if you choose to stay, you can work hard and still have fun in what you do. The same principle applies to our spiritual journey.
God has given us this world to enjoy, to embrace His presence, and to experience His joy. As the song says, "I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!" That joy—the joy of Jesus—is not dependent on circumstances. It is rooted in Him.
Journey to Egypt
Mary and Joseph’s lives were marked by journeys. Mary traveled to see Elizabeth, and later she and Joseph made the difficult journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Afterward, they fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath. They lived there as refugees in a foreign land until Herod’s death, which some historians estimate occurred about eight years after Jesus’ birth. During this time, they were far from family and familiarity, raising a young child in an unknown world. Despite these trials, they trusted in God and embraced the journey He set before them.
We, too, are on a journey—a journey toward eternity and toward seeing Jesus face to face. Life is unpredictable. The next moment is not guaranteed, but we need not worry because we know where we are headed. As we reflect on Mary and Joseph’s story, we are reminded of the promise of joy that comes through Christ. This joy is not limited to the Christmas season but is meant to fill every day of our lives.
Let us embrace each moment, find joy in our journey, and share that joy with others. Life is a gift from God, and through faith, hope, and love, we can face every challenge with a joyful heart. The story of Christmas reminds us that joy is possible even in the midst of difficult journeys.
Journey back to Judea
After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph’s journey did not end. They would eventually have to leave Bethlehem to escape King Herod’s decree to kill all boys under the age of two. They fled to Egypt and lived there for several years. Then they had to take another journey back to Judea after the death of King Herod.
Jesus took upon journey of preaching the Kingdom of God.
The journey of the Kingdom of God continues until we join eternity. Jesus took up the journey through the lands of Palestine and Judea. He went through the streets of Jerusalem as a suffering witness of the love of God. Eventually He took on the journey towards the cross where He died. He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. From there, He will return one day to establish His kingdom in this world.
The Christmas story reminds us that life’s journey is often challenging. Yet, it is in these moments of difficulty that God’s glory shines brightest. He uses every step of our journey to fulfill His purpose and bring joy to the world.
Conclusion
As we walk through the Advent season, let us remember that joy is not just found in the destination—it can also be found in the journey. God walks with us, guiding our steps and filling our hearts with His peace. So, choose joy. Embrace the journey. Trust that God is working all things together for good.
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” —Psalm 84:5
Amen.
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