Luke 1:39-56 | The Coming of Jesus Through the Eyes of Women

Finding Joy Through Advent: Lessons from Mary and Elizabeth

Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation. It’s a time to remember Jesus' first coming and look forward to His return. This week, as we journey through Advent, we turn to the story of Mary and Elizabeth, two remarkable women whose experiences reveal profound truths about joy, humility, and God’s transformative power.

How Joy Finds Us in Unexpected Places

God often works in ways we least expect, choosing the humble and overlooked to accomplish extraordinary things. Mary, a young girl from an unremarkable town, became the mother of the Savior. Elizabeth, long considered barren, carried the child who would prepare the way for Jesus.

Their stories remind us that joy often finds us in life’s quiet, unseen moments. It’s not about being extraordinary—it’s about being available to God.

Mary and Elizabeth: A Picture of Humility and Faith

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, her life was turned upside down. She was young, unwed, and living in a small town hardly worth mentioning. Yet God chose her to bring the Savior into the world. Her response? “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38).

Elizabeth’s story is equally powerful. Though she felt unseen and forgotten, God blessed her with a miraculous pregnancy. When Mary visited, Elizabeth’s joy overflowed as her child leaped in her womb. Her words affirmed Mary’s calling, showing us the importance of encouraging others in their walk with God.

The Joy That Comes From Surrender

Mary’s famous song, the Magnificat, is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and grace. Her soul magnified the Lord because she understood the depth of God’s love and mercy. She teaches us that joy doesn’t come from perfect circumstances but from trusting and surrendering to God’s plan.

As followers of Christ, we’re invited into the same joy. It’s a joy that comes not from the world, but from knowing and being known by Jesus.

The Great Reversal: How Jesus Brings Lasting Joy

The Advent story highlights a profound truth: God’s kingdom is upside-down. He exalts the humble, fills the hungry, and brings down the proud. This great reversal is at the heart of the gospel.

In Jesus, we find the ultimate reversal. He took on our sorrow and sin, bearing its weight on the cross so that we could experience eternal joy. Through Him, we can exchange our shame for honor, our sadness for gladness, and our brokenness for restoration.

Living a Joyful Life Today

As we continue through Advent, ask yourself: What’s keeping me from experiencing the joy God offers? Is it pride? Fear? A reluctance to surrender? True joy comes when we let go of our own plans and trust in God’s perfect will.

If you’re not yet a follower of Jesus, consider this your invitation to experience His joy. His love is transformative, and His joy is eternal.

This Advent, let’s live in the fullness of joy that Jesus promises. Let’s celebrate the Savior who came to bring light into the world and transform our lives forever.