Words of Joy: An Advent Devotional

Joy. It’s one of those words we hear a lot during Advent. It’s printed on ornaments, stitched on stockings, and sung about in carols. But if we’re honest, joy can feel hard to hold onto in the busyness of the season. There are pageants to plan, lessons to teach, crafts to prep, and let’s not forget our own family lives. The noise of it all can drown out the wonder.

But the angel’s message to the shepherds that night wasn’t just a fleeting feel-good moment. It was a promise: I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Not a temporary joy. Not a joy that depends on circumstances. But a deep, abiding joy rooted in the arrival of Jesus—God with us.

We (us! You and me!) are called to share that joy with the kids we serve. But here’s the thing: we can’t share what we don’t have. That’s why this Advent season, really let that good news sink in. Jesus came for the world, yes, and part of it is you. He came for you. Right where you are—in your to-do lists, in your tiredness, and yes, even in your moments of frustration—Jesus is your joy.

And joy, like peace, doesn’t mean everything is picture-perfect. It’s the assurance that, no matter what, God is with us. It’s the hope that shines even in the darkest nights. And it’s the kind of joy that spills over, transforming how we live and lead.

When we approach ministry with joy, it becomes contagious. Kids pick up on it. Families notice it. It becomes this beautiful invitation to experience the good news for themselves. So, let’s create space for joy this Advent—not just in our lessons or songs, but in how we show up. In how we serve. In how we love.

Because the joy of Jesus is the kind that overflows. It doesn’t run out. It doesn’t depend on how much energy we have or how well things are going. It’s a gift—a gift we’ve been given to share.

So, let’s embrace the source of the joy of this season: Jesus. Cling to him. Sit with him. And let him fill our hearts with joy and spill it out into everything we do.

Pray with me:

Heavenly Father, thank you for joy. Joy is such a wonderful gift. Help us to be sharers of joy – knowing the good news of great joy isn’t just for us but for all people! We delight in that joy, and we ask your help in sharing it around. May we be quick to encourage others, to bring light into dark places, and to spread the message of Your love, hope, and joy in all that we do. Help us to remember that joy is a genuine reflection of Your presence in our lives. We want to sit with you, Jesus, the source of our joy today.

We pray in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Amen