Advent: God’s Joy

December 10, 2022

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Galatians 5:22-25

Memory Verse

Galatians 5:22-23a

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

Dad’s in the kitchen making hot chocolate. As Casey, Victoria, Jack, and Mom come into the room, taking off their winter coats, hats, scarves, and mittens. Dad says, “How was your caroling at the seniors center?” There are lots of smiles and joy throughout the three panels.

Dad hands out some mugs as everyone gets to the table. Jack says, “They kept clapping and singing.” Victoria says, “After, they really thanked us for coming.”

Everyone is at the table now as Dad brings some more mugs. Casey says, “Yeah! We tried to give them joy, but we kept getting it back!”

Print Comic

During the Christmas season, we often hear the familiar song “Joy to the World.” We know the words well, “Joy to the World, the Lord has come…” But what exactly is the joy of Christmas all about? Many people confuse joy with happiness. Happiness is often based on your circumstances—like whether you win your game, get an A on your test, or finally get that present you’ve been wanting. But joy is a deeper emotion, one that lasts through good times and bad. It comes from seeing God at work in the world.

Our scripture reading shows us that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). This means that God is the source of joy. The Holy Spirit helps us to see joy, practice it, and give it away. The Spirit draws our attention to beautiful things and helps us remember God’s faithfulness in the stories of the Bible and in our lives. When we are “in step with the Spirit,” we can be joyful in all circumstances.

The Spirit also helps us see people who are in need of God’s joy, so that we can share it with them. When we are filled with joy, we know how to give it away. Christmas is a perfect time to remind others of good times and stories of God’s faithfulness. We can show them examples of God’s goodness and beauty all around us. We can share God’s promises from the Bible, and we can also bring joy to others by doing simple acts of kindness and service. What a joy to share God’s good gifts.

Prayer

Dear God, with joy and praise we see the signs that your kingdom has come in Jesus Christ. We rejoice in the forgiveness of sin. We rejoice that you have made us new in Christ. With joy we’ll proclaim the good news of great joy. In the Savior's name we pray. Amen.

Related Resources

Activity

Gifts of Kindness Advent Calendar and Devotionals

Bible Story

The Shepherds

Liz and Friends

Wreck the Halls

Activity

Bible Story Coloring Packet 3: God Sends a Savior

Activity

Know Your Bible Activity Book Christmas Part 4!

Ron VandenBurg

Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries

Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.