“Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed (to Mary): ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child (Jesus) you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby (John the Baptist) in my womb leaped for joy!’” Luke 1:41-44
Lord Jesus, this is one of the greatest joy-stories of all time. Both of you were still in your mother’s wombs, but even then, your presence fueled joy in the baby who grew to be John the Baptist. This is truly amazing, but totally consistent with who you’ve been throughout eternity.
In your presence, the fullness of joy overflows (Ps.16:11). It’s the same joy you pray we will know in fullness (John 17:13)—the joy you produce in us by your Spirit (Gal.5:22-23). Thank you. But here’s what’s most encouraging to me today as I think about joy. Jesus, it’s your presence that’s the joy—your nearness and “Immanuel-ness.”
John the Baptist leapt because you were close by. Joy isn’t an emotion of gladness you give us from afar just to cheer us up. It’s a core of peace and hope you give us by being near. Hallelujah, we’re under no pressure to be “happy clappy” all the time, devoid of sadness, grief, and lament. You were simultaneously a man of sorrows (Isa.53:1) and anointed with the oil of joy (Heb.1:9). There’s no contradiction there—just beauty, kindness, and care. Thank you, Lord Jesus, thank you. Make your presence so real and so dear to us in the coming days. So Very Amen.