The Disruptive Joy of Advent: A Rose in the Winter

In this episode of Awaken to Grace, hosts Brian Myers and Derrick Scott III are joined once again by Rev. Dr. Debbie Allen to explore the theme of joy during the third week of Advent. They discuss how Advent joy differs from happiness—it's a Spirit-given gladness rooted in God's presence and promises that can flourish even in difficult circumstances. Drawing on Mary's Magnificat, Isaiah 35, and James 5, they examine how joy and justice are intertwined, how joy can be defiant in the face of opposition, and why God's joy takes sides with the marginalized. The conversation includes personal stories of joy blossoming from hard ground, practical disciplines like journaling gratitude and singing lustily in worship, and Brian's humorous confession about the rose-colored Advent candle. They conclude by reflecting on patience as the greenhouse where joy takes root and offering a prayer for lighting the third Advent candle.

For more on the year-long Awakened to Grace series, check out awakenedtograce.org. Original music by the Institute for Modern Worship. Produced by Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley.

Show Notes:

00:11 - Welcome and introduction to the third week of Advent: the disruptive joy of Advent

02:36 - What is joy? Distinguishing joy from happiness and connecting it to God's presence

09:30 - Stories of joy blossoming from hard ground in difficult family moments

14:58 - Mary's Magnificat: An anthem of defiant joy and justice

21:10 - How joy and justice go together—returning to God's intended goodness

25:25 - Practices for cultivating joy: journaling gratitude, singing lustily, and being present