I’ve been writing on my Instagram (see the RAMBLES tab here on my blog) each day during this Advent season. This week, the focus has been on Mary’s song and her encounter with the angel, Gabriel.

When the angel visited Mary, he brought her joy.  It was not something she could create, but it was a gift bestowed upon her as a result of God’s favor. God favorited her! She was special, set apart for a particular purpose. Mary received the good news that not only did God favor her, but that He was with her! Simultaneously joy was received as favor was conferred. 

Reflecting on all of the times in the Word when I am told to rejoice or be joyful, I am learning it is something that does not come from within. While happiness is fleeting and dependent on ourselves, our circumstances, and our interaction with others, joy is from a higher power. 

Joy is given to those who have found favor with God. It is Emmanuel, God with us! God with me. With me in when I have plenty and when I have needs. With me when I am grieving and when I am laughing. With me when I am homesick for everything. With me when I feel rooted and when I feel restless. With me when I don’t feel I belong. With me, when home is always moving. Emmanuel!

It reminds me of the Tim Hughes song that has carried me through many rough days.

"Everything"

God in my living

There in my breathing

God in my waking

God in my sleeping

God in my resting

There in my working

God in my thinking

God in my speaking

Be my everything

Be my everything

Be my everything

Be my everything

God in my hoping

There in my dreaming

God in my watching

God in my waiting

God in my laughing

There in my weeping

God in my hurting

God in my healing

Christ in me

Christ in me

Christ in me the hope of glory

You are everything

Christ in me

Christ in me

Christ in me the hope of glory

Be my everything

This is authentic joy. Joy is Emmanuel, God with us!