Sara Fasig

Luke 2:8-14

Luke 2, 8-14 Welcome to the Bridgeway Christian Church Advent Devotional for Saturday, December 21st. My name is Sarah Fasig, and I serve as the leader for the Women and Faith in the Workplace community group at Bridgeway. Today I'm going to talk about joy in the small things.

Have you ever noticed how stressful the season can be? There are endless events, shopping trips, cooking sessions, and of course Hallmark movie marathons to keep up with while wrapping presents. Everything seems to pile up, and the season that's meant to be filled with joy can turn into one of stress, short tempers, and snapping at our loved ones. It's no wonder the Grinch felt the way he did.

At times, we want to be that naughty killjoy Grinch who thought he won that holiday season, but do you remember the Who's Down in Whoville's reaction? They lost everything that Christmas—their decorations, the gifts, and the feasts were all taken. Yet on Christmas morning, the Who's gathered together in the town square, hand in hand, and sang songs of joy. Their joy wasn't tied to what they had or what they lost.

It became a deeper place of connection, gratitude, and community. This kind of joy—the joy that doesn't rely on circumstances—doesn't happen by accident. It's something that's practiced and cultivated over time.

Joy doesn't arrive all at once or appear on special occasions. Joy grows in small moments. It's like an avalanche, not because of one single snowflake, but because of the buildup of many tiny snowflakes over time.

Similarly, our joy is built little by little, starting with the small things. As 1 Thessalonians 5, 16-18 reminds us, Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. This practice of joy shifts our hearts to see God's handiwork all around us.

We begin to experience joy in every sunset, in the wildflowers that grow through the cracks in the sidewalk, even quiet moments with our loved ones. Gradually, joy grows within us, filling us with God's peace, gratitude, and wonder. I love spending time with children because they notice the small wonders all around them—a rainbow in a puddle, a bug on a leaf, or the sparkle of Christmas lights.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 18, 3 that there is power in childlike wonder. Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Children remind us of joy that can be found in life's tiny details.

For us, joy often starts with gratitude—a simple acknowledgement of something good. No matter how grim it may seem, we always begin by looking for one small blessing around us. And as we continue noticing and appreciating these small things, our hearts start to overflow with joy.

Interestingly, research supports this practice of cultivating joy. Studies show that practicing gratitude can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. When we focus on the good, even in small ways, our brain releases chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with happiness and relaxation.

These chemicals can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve our overall well-being. The regular practice of gratitude has been linked to better sleep and increased feelings of life satisfaction. One simple way to begin this practice is to write down three things we're grateful for each day.

Over time, this shifts our perspectives and rewiring our brains to focus on the positive and increasing our capacity for joy, even in life's most challenging circumstances. The joy we're talking about here is not just any fleeting happiness. It is deep, abiding joy that the Bible speaks of.

The word used in Luke 2.10 for joy is chara, which means joy, gladness, or delight. That comes from spiritual blessings, from the presence of God in our lives. It's the joy that the angel proclaimed that night, the one that transcends circumstances and remains steadfast in our hearts as we learn to practice gratitude and grow connection with God.

The shepherds that night were scared. The circumstances were overwhelming. They were humble, ordinary people going about their nightly routines when an angel appeared with an announcement.

And that good news wasn't found in a palace or among the powerful. The joy of the world started small, and it was found in a humble town and a tiny stable as a vulnerable baby lying in a manger. In this season, let's not miss out on joy by focusing on what's missing or what still needs to be done.

Instead, let's make space to notice the small things, building foundation of joy that can carry us well beyond Christmas. Take a few seconds with me right now and bring to mind one thing you're thankful for this Christmas. Sit with that truth for a moment and see if it evokes a small feeling of joy.

Let's close in prayer. Lord, thank you for the small, beautiful moments that bring joy to our lives. Help us pause, notice, and give thanks for the countless ways you reveal your goodness.

May we find joy not in the big celebrations, but in the tiny blessings all around us each day. Amen.