Breath of Joy
As I sit here soaking in the warm quiet of the morning with my coffee in hand and lights sparkling on the tree, I mull over the word I have hung up in my window: JOY. This word appears in a wreath I made for our church, hanging on the balcony above our exit into the bustle of the season. This word happens to be my middle name, and as such has prompted "Joy to the World" to be one of my favorite Christmas songs growing up. I see this word pop up everywhere–why?
Many people tend to equate joy with happiness–especially so at Christmastime. We have commercials reminding us that it's time for holiday smiles and cheer, backed up by music like Train's "Shake Up Christmas" or Johnny Mathis telling us to put up all the decorations because "We Need A Little Christmas" now. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love a pretty Christmas tree, and it's hard to be cross when there are pretty lights everywhere. These things bring me happiness, as I'm sure they do for others. I mean, I am writing while I sit and enjoy the glow of my favorite holiday decorations.
However, and bear with me here, isn't joy just a little bit more than happiness? Doesn't the word "joy" suggest a weight has been lifted? Would it not coincide with the ending of a long wait? Perhaps "joy" even hints that an understanding has been unlocked or a problem has been solved. It is my understanding that "joy" runs deeper than laughter at a funny Christmas movie or excitement about a gift you might give or receive. "Joy" pushes out wantonness and fills empty spaces, shoving disquiet aside. "Joy" leaves no room for hatred, no space for fear—"joy" overflows.
Creation– the entire universe–understands and experiences joy because it has been there for the long wait, the brokenness, and the heaviness this joy forces out.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
God's creation was born in the beginning, and through the breath of God, it was molded. God breathed life into man and woman, "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31a) So creation breathed in the life and the goodness and the glory of God, and breathed out praise (Psalm 19:1-4).
Sadly, man and woman did not follow the one rule in this perfect world. "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned [. . .]" (Romans 5:12). So creation breathed in pain, disappointment, and brokenness, and breathed out groans of longing (Romans 8:19-22).
But God had a plan.
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) So creation breathed out the pain, disappointment, and brokenness to breathe in joy. Creation breathed in the overflowing joy that God's plan for relief is fulfilled in the life of Christ. For Christ has come.
The weight of sin will be lifted.
The wait for relief is over.
The answer to the problem has been revealed.
Joy to the world!
Joy to the universe!
Joy to all of creation!
So we breathe out all of our worry, our pain, and our fear as we take a moment to breathe in JOY.
