Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her King. Let every heart, prepare Him room and heaven and nature sing.

In this third week of Advent, the focus is joy.

What is joy? Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is a temporary emotion, but joy is the assurance in knowing that God is in control and that everything will be alright.

In Luke 1, Mary received a message from angel Gabriel that she would conceive and bear a son whose name would be called Jesus. This news gave Mary joy. 

After the angel told Mary how it was going to happen, Mary said to the angel, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” By speaking these words, Mary acknowledged that God was in control and that everything would be alright. Mary had found joy.

Mary found joy because she made an intentional choice to trust in God’s word. After the words shared by angel Gabriel, Mary knew that her life was forever changed; she was the chosen vessel of the Savior of the world.  Mary had found joy that would last throughout her lifetime.

There are many reasons why we can find joy just like Mary did this Christmas. The birth of Jesus promises us a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, a Prince of Peace, and an Everlasting Father.

These characteristics of Christ alone should inspire us to believe that God is in control of every aspect of our lives. Nothing happens by accident. God is intentional.

So, let us find joy this Christmas. When trials and tribulations come, count it all joy, knowing that God is still in control.

Even when Mary and Joseph couldn’t find a room in the inn to have baby Jesus, God was still in control. God provided a manger. Even when King Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus, God was still in control.

God sent an angel to Joseph in a dream, telling him to escape to Egypt until God tells him to return. God provided safety.  So let us find joy this Christmas.  Let us prepare our hearts for the Savior of the world. Will we let go and let God have control of our life? If we let go, God can use us to do some amazing things.  Have a prosperous and blessed Christmas!

REV. MATTHEW SHANNON is pastor of Beulah AME Church in Farmville. His email is pastormatthew.shannon@gmail.com.