Scripture: Matthew 11:2–3 (NRSV)
Key Verse: “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”
Reflection
John the Baptist’s question comes from a sincere and honest place. A prison cell is not where anyone expects joy to emerge. His world has shrunk, his ministry seems incomplete, and the future feels painfully uncertain. Yet, even here, John reaches out—because deep inside, a spark of longing still believes God might be doing something new. Sometimes, the bravest act is simply asking the question.
Jesus doesn’t scold John. He doesn’t shame him for doubting. Instead, He responds with evidence of life: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor receive good news. In other words, joy is bursting out in places John cannot see. That’s often how joy works—it doesn’t wait for circumstances to improve. It appears in the cracks, the small openings, and the unexpected places where compassion and healing take root.
Advent joy is not something we simply create; it is something God develops within us when we choose to hope again. Even when we feel exhausted or discouraged, joy is the quiet certainty that God is still working—renewing what feels stagnant, healing what feels wounded, and bringing life where we least expect it.
Application
Find one place today—no matter how small—where you see signs of God’s renewing work breaking through. Say it out loud.
Writing Prompt
Where does joy seem out of reach right now, and what small sign of life might God be inviting you to notice?
Prayer
God, who meets us in discouragement when hope feels thin, help us trust that you are still at work. Open our eyes to the quiet joy rising in unexpected places. Amen.