By Bianca Schaefer

Joy may be the most misunderstood word of Advent. Many assume it means happiness, cheerfulness, or the ability to smile no matter what. But biblical joy is something far deeper — and far more surprising.

Advent joy often begins in places where joy seems impossible.

Think of Mary, young and overwhelmed, receiving news that would upend her life. Think of shepherds, unimportant in society’s eyes, suddenly caught up in heaven’s song. Think of a Savior born in the least likely place — joy wrapped in vulnerability.

Advent joy doesn’t deny sorrow; it transforms it.

The Joy That Finds Us in the Ordinary

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” — Luke 2:10

Notice what the angel said: great joy for all people. Joy came to ordinary workers on an ordinary night doing ordinary tasks.

This is how God works: He places joy where we least expect it — not to distract us, but to awaken us.

Joy is not shallow. Joy is not loud. Joy is not forced.

Joy is the deep awareness that God is near and God is good, even when life is complicated or heavy.

It’s the rooted confidence that Christ’s presence changes everything, even if nothing around you seems different yet.

When Joy Feels Unreachable

There are seasons when joy feels out of reach. Perhaps you’ve been walking through loss, transition, uncertainty, or fatigue. The holidays can magnify those feelings.

But here is the quiet truth Advent teaches us: Joy is not something we chase; it is something Christ gives.

Joy grows in trust.
Joy grows in surrender.
Joy grows in the soil of waiting.

If you feel joy-less, you’re not disqualified from Advent. You’re precisely the kind of person Jesus came for.

A Practice: Lighting the Candle of Joy

This week, light the third candle — traditionally the pink candle, symbolizing joy. As you do, name one place in your life where you long for joy to return or bloom.

Then pause and whisper:
“Lord, awaken joy in me again.”

Let the gentle glow remind you that joy doesn’t rush. It grows steadily, quietly, faithfully.