God’s people are called to a unique type of joy. It’s more than a happy mood. It's a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises, and it's a joy that is long-lasting and life-giving.

Every verse of the hymn ends with a command to rejoice—even in exile, even in waiting. This is the paradox of Advent joy: we rejoice not because everything is right, but because the One who will make it right is both on His way and here now. This joy is deeper than happiness—it’s the defiant joy of faith that knows the story isn’t over.

We can rejoice, not because all is fulfilled yet, but because fulfillment is coming. This dynamic tension of the now and not yet is the essence of Advent… and the reality of being a Jesus-shaped church. Will we embrace the joy being offered this Christmas season?

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