The True Meaning of Joy
Written by Dawn Okrasinski
In my house, the third Sunday of Advent was called “Gaudete Sunday." Gaudete is the Latin word for “Rejoice." The traditions of our mother celebrated the importance of that day. On this special Sunday, we would unpack the Nativity and put the empty manger in the little wooden stable to emphasize waiting for Jesus. I had fun placing the animals in their specific stalls and lighting the pink candle in the Advent wreath, but the most important event had not yet arrived. As my mother pointed out, we were setting the stage for a miracle. While we unwrapped the painted plaster pieces, she would once again tell us the story of Mary’s visit by the angel and Joseph’s faith with just enough emotion to have us all concerned for their plight as they made their way to Bethlehem. Our mother would tell us it was time to wait and hope for his coming. As a little girl, I was waiting for other things: Toys, pretty trees, yummy food, family, and more toys. I had no real idea that what we were waiting for or rejoicing about was the coming of our salvation.
The Greek word for joy is “Chara," which translates to happiness and rejoicing, but remember that this is not a worldly experience. Chara comes from the word "Charis," which translates to grace from God. To experience "Chara," one can only receive this joyous gift from God, spiritually derived and grace-filled. What a perfect joy that lasts forever. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)
Listening to “It is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," there is a sense of calm and peace picturing the simple scenes as they unfold. A rewrite for today might paint the season with displays of stampedes for the latest toy or gadget, the parking wars at the mall, or the stress levels spiking due to finances, Covid, and over-filled calendars. The world’s happiness is fleeting, constantly ruminated on, while trying to fill the God-sized emptiness many of us have inside. Obsessive idols then take the place of Christ. They worshiped their idols, which became a snare to them. Psalm 106:36 (NIV)
How do we access Chara mindfully while preparing for the Christmas rush? How do we practice waiting while preparing one’s heart? One meaningful way would be to practice gratitude despite the circumstance and strive to model what it means to be Christian by loving and serving sacrificially. This is not an easy task during a time when spiritual intentions may be set aside for ever-mounting pressures. Each time we put God first though, we are released from fear and embrace our purpose in God's plan. This links us to a more profound, lasting happiness that never needs restoring. He restored us! Our Chara is made complete through Christ. And do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you can test and approve what God's will is- his pleasing and perfect will. Rom 12:2 (NIV)
Today, I can embrace the reason for this season, however, I like the spiritual reminder offered to us on this third Sunday during Advent. I can take pause and mediate on joyful expectation. Remembering my mother's celebration of this Sunday brought another memory to mind of the mad dash to the tree on Christmas morning accompanied by laughter and surprise as we tore into our gifts. When the initial joy had settled though, a gentle prompt directed our way to the front of the Nativity scene to make sure that, once again, our baby Jesus had arrived. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee!
Reflection:
1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV) Though you have not seen him, you love him: and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of our souls.
Proverbs 10:23 (AMP) But to a man of understanding, skillful and godly, wisdom brings joy.
Call to Action:
1. Take time this season to reflect on the meaning of "Chara" and offer this message to someone who may not know God's everlasting gift.
2. Meditate daily during Advent to connect to the anticipation and hope of Jesus.
3. Cancel some worldly commitments and seek to serve in God's Kingdom.
