A Season of Unspeakable Joy

Read: Psalm 146:5-10  
 
            As we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath, the candle of Joy, the atmosphere often becomes busy and rushed. We find ourselves checking off lists, making travel plans, and feeling the pressure that comes with the 'most wonderful time of the year.' Yet, if we are honest, the joy the world offers can feel shallow. It usually depends on things going well—like gifts arriving on time, families getting along, or budgets staying intact. But the joy described in the Bible, the 'unspeakable joy' we sing about, is not just a passing feeling tied to a perfect holiday. It is a deep and lasting attitude of the heart. This week, Psalm 146:5-10 leads us into this kind of joy.
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            The Psalmist starts with a powerful statement: “Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” In Hebrew, the word for 'happy' is ashrey, meaning someone who is on the right path, truly blessed, or spiritually fulfilled. This happiness does not come from our own efforts, holiday plans, or the promises of leaders. It comes from putting our help and hope in God. When we remember that the one who 'made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them' is also the one who 'keeps faith forever,' we find a joy that nothing in the world can take away. Our joy is unspeakable because it is based on the eternal and faithful nature of a God who always keeps His promises and holds everything together.

            This joy becomes clearer when we look at who God is. The middle verses of this Psalm list what God does: He brings justice to the oppressed, gives food to the hungry, and frees prisoners. God opens the eyes of the blind and lifts up those who are weighed down. This is the heart of the Advent message. We do not worship a distant God who ignores our struggles. Instead, we worship a God who is deeply involved in making things right. If you feel weighed down this week, whether by grief, world events, or exhaustion, remember this: The Lord lifts you up. Our joy comes from knowing we are seen, loved, and cared for by a God who is always working to restore the world.

            The Psalmist also reminds us that the Lord cares for strangers, orphans, and widows. In ancient times, just as today, these were the people most at risk, with no one to protect them. By showing God’s care for them, the Bible invites us to share in a joy that is open and caring. This 'unspeakable joy' is not just for us alone; it is meant to be shared with others. We find joy when we care about those who are often overlooked and bring hope to those who feel forgotten. As we wait for the Christ Child, who was born in a stable and later became a refugee in Egypt, we see that God’s kingdom lifts up the humble and fills the hungry with good things.

            The Psalm ends by reminding us that God is in control: “The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations.” Advent is a time of waiting, but it is also a time to remember. We remember that the God of Jacob is the same God who came as a baby in a manger and is still with us today. This 'unspeakable' joy connects our present struggles with the promise of God’s eternal kingdom. When we say 'Praise the Lord!' (Hallelujah!), we are not just repeating words. We are declaring that our deepest loyalty and joy belong to the King who rules forever.

            As we get ready to celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s go deeper than just holiday cheer. Let’s lift our eyes and put our hope in the Creator, not in quick fixes. Let’s look around and find joy by joining in God’s work—feeding the hungry, welcoming strangers, and comforting those who are hurting. Take a deep breath and remember the promise of verse 8: 'The Lord loves the righteous.' You are loved by the King of Zion. May you have a joy that cannot be explained, a peace beyond understanding, and a hope that never fades. Praise the Lord!