The Advent of Christ - Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee...
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee...
By Veronica Cangiamilla
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’” Luke 12:15
A few years ago I went with a team on a mission trip to Zambia. Ahead of my time there I prepared myself as best I could for the lives of hardship and despair we were going to encounter there. I assumed the lack of material wealth would be a dark cloud hovering on the people’s spirits. Yet, I was met with something unexpected: JOY—radiant, unshakable joy.
Their faces lit up in each interaction, and their hearts overflowed with gratitude. It quickly became evident that their joy sprang from something far deeper than material wealth. This joy wasn’t rooted in possessions; they had "nothing" by worldly standards. This radiant joy stemmed from their relationships—with one another, with their families, communities, and with God.
I witnessed villages caring for the orphaned and widowed, communities combining food to create a shared meal (perhaps the only one they would have for many days), and all their voices harmonizing together in song like nothing I had ever heard before. Their lives were intertwined in a way that fostered deep connection and mutual support. It was a reminder that the essence of joy is not found in what we have but in who we are with. In contrast, those of us who live in wealthier nations often struggle with loneliness despite having abundant possessions.
Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a lowly stable, surrounded not by luxury, but he was surrounded by love. The shepherds and Magi who came to honor Him brought simple, heartfelt gifts and their presence. Let us learn from those who have found joy in deep community and allow their example to inspire us to live with greater gratitude, love, and connection.
Lord, thank You for showing us that joy is not tied to what we own but to the love and relationships You place in our lives. Help us to let go of material attachments and embrace the richness of community. As we celebrate this Advent season, may our hearts reflect Your love and our lives radiate Your joy. Amen.
A few years ago I went with a team on a mission trip to Zambia. Ahead of my time there I prepared myself as best I could for the lives of hardship and despair we were going to encounter there. I assumed the lack of material wealth would be a dark cloud hovering on the people’s spirits. Yet, I was met with something unexpected: JOY—radiant, unshakable joy.
Their faces lit up in each interaction, and their hearts overflowed with gratitude. It quickly became evident that their joy sprang from something far deeper than material wealth. This joy wasn’t rooted in possessions; they had "nothing" by worldly standards. This radiant joy stemmed from their relationships—with one another, with their families, communities, and with God.
I witnessed villages caring for the orphaned and widowed, communities combining food to create a shared meal (perhaps the only one they would have for many days), and all their voices harmonizing together in song like nothing I had ever heard before. Their lives were intertwined in a way that fostered deep connection and mutual support. It was a reminder that the essence of joy is not found in what we have but in who we are with. In contrast, those of us who live in wealthier nations often struggle with loneliness despite having abundant possessions.
Jesus, the King of Kings, was born in a lowly stable, surrounded not by luxury, but he was surrounded by love. The shepherds and Magi who came to honor Him brought simple, heartfelt gifts and their presence. Let us learn from those who have found joy in deep community and allow their example to inspire us to live with greater gratitude, love, and connection.
Lord, thank You for showing us that joy is not tied to what we own but to the love and relationships You place in our lives. Help us to let go of material attachments and embrace the richness of community. As we celebrate this Advent season, may our hearts reflect Your love and our lives radiate Your joy. Amen.
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