Joy to the world.
Yet the world (and, many times, Christians) tend to confuse joy with happiness. In the reality of the West, we live amidst abundance and peace not realized many times in history. It is no wonder, then, that our culture has come to worship happiness as the end all goal of our existence.
Disneyland is referred to as "the happiest place on earth." Indeed, especially during the season of Advent, seekers of happiness from all over the planet make a pilgrimage to the Disney Resort, hoping to partake of the promised happiness. The Sleeping Beauty Castle (pictured at left) is adorned in "holiday" decorations and lit up especially vibrantly each evening, for the pilgrims to marvel at. Yet the facade of joy is unescapable. After the nightly fireworks extravaganza, pilgrims in various parts of the park are treated to falling snow! However, since the park is located in the southern California basin, it is never cold enough for real snow to fall... hence, fake soapy snow falls upon the guests.
Fake snow - and fake joy.
1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:1-6 ESV)
Joy cannot be found in a quest for happiness. It can only come about from the Author of Life.
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