Unspeakable Joy

During this Advent season, we're invited to explore a joy that transcends our everyday understanding—an unspeakable, inexpressible joy rooted not in circumstances but in salvation itself. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:8, we discover that the early Christians experienced a glorious joy even amid persecution, because they understood what they had received. This isn't the temporary happiness that fades after the holiday decorations come down; this is supernatural joy that flows from recognizing we've been rescued from darkness and brought into God's marvelous light. The prophets of old longed to see what we now possess, and even the angels peer curiously into this mystery of salvation that we get to experience. When we forget where we've been saved from, we lose sight of this profound joy. But when we draw water from the wells of salvation—when we pause to remember that we are found, redeemed, and beloved—we tap into a strength that sustains us through every trial. The joy of the Lord truly becomes our strength, not because our circumstances are perfect, but because the Savior has come and we are His.