We are moving into the third week of Advent this Sunday. The theme is on joy. What is joy? Joy is a deep and very good emotion.
So, we read in many places in the Bible:
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found a covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Mt. 13:44)
“And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at this birth,” (Lk. 1:14), and then later, “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Then, we are encouraged to read that our holy God and heavenly Father is one who possesses joy in himself:
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Mt. 25:21)
What does joy in the Christian life look like? Is it a momentary, positive feeling? Is it an emotion that only comes when good things and good people are around?
Perhaps, this distinction between affections and emotions by Gerald McDermott might be of benefit to you, as it was to me in understanding the joy of the Christian life. Many conflate “affections” with “emotions.” But there are several important differences, as shown in McDermott’s chart:
| Affections | Emotions |
| Long-lasting | Fleeting |
| Deep | Superficial |
| Consistent with beliefs | Sometimes overpowering |
| Always result in action | Often fail to produce action |
| Involve mind, will, and feelings | Feelings (often) disconnected from the mind and will |
If this chart is correct in its distinction between “affections” and “emotions,” the Christian life is full of joyous “affections,” rather than mere emotions. Why? Because our joy always is in something or someone, and the Christian’s joy is hidden with God in Christ. Therefore, by the very nature of Christian joy, it is a joy that is eternal, effective, and unshakable.
Come and gather with the body of Christ this Sunday. As you prepare to listen to his word and to glory in his grace, read and consider Romans 7-8 and Psalm 51:1-12.
Here are some songs you may enjoy:
Joyful (The One Who Saves) by Brenton Brown
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
All Creatures of Our God and King
Grace and peace,
Tim Kim