Living In Joy During Advent And Beyond

Because I am trying to sell my house, I have to keep it clean and devoid of personality, decor, and pretty much anything else that indicates someone actually lives there. 

This means that I did not put up any Christmas decorations for the first time in my adult life. 

My house usually resembles one of those Christmas stores in a small town during this time of year, where every square inch is covered in decor.  I love decorating for Christmas.  I have a rather large Christmas village, three Christmas trees, wreaths, decorative lights, kitchenware, bathroom decor, you name it.  

It brings me a lot of joy to do this, even though it's probably tacky. 

But not this year. I've got to sell this house, and to sell it, it needs to look like a blank canvas upon which some buyer will feel they can paint their own portrait or something like that. 

It's taken some of the season's joy away from me, though, which has got me reflecting on just how powerful joy truly is in our lives and how we can hold on to it even when something or someone threatens to steal it.  

As we step further into the season of Advent, a time of reflection, expectation, and celebration, it's a natural time to reflect on the profound impact joy can bring to our lives. 

Joy is not just a fleeting emotion; it can transform our outlook and experiences. 

Research shows that individuals actively cultivating joy are statistically more likely to embrace hope and optimism. They tend to be more resilient, healthier, and more productive. Studies indicate that joy can enhance immune function and reduce stress-related diseases, leading to a more vibrant life.

In his insightful book The Joy Challenge, Randy Frazee reminds us, “When you live in joy, you open your heart to greater love, gratitude, and peace.” 

This opening of our hearts allows us to experience deeper connections with God and one another, illuminating our path with hope during this season of waiting and preparation.

The Bible also beautifully illustrates the importance of joy. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." This powerful verse encourages us to find joy in our faith and let that joy sustain us in every challenge we face. 

Moreover, Lien Ngu in Joyful Living states, “Joy is a choice, a way of life; it is the conscious decision to embrace the beauty around you despite the chaos." 

Even though there will be plenty of joy-stealing moments during the busy-ness of Advent, we have a choice about how we want to live both now and long after Christmas has passed.  

This Advent, let us embrace and share that beauty with others, transforming our hearts and the world.

As we celebrate Advent's hope, let us consciously decide to live in joy. Allow joy to transform your interactions and create a ripple effect of positivity. 

May this season and the years to come be filled with joy that leads to hope, health, and a deeper connection to the blessings around us. Embrace joy today, and let it guide you through this Advent season and beyond.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.