Joy Found in Trust
"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
—1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)
Advent is a season of waiting, longing, and expectation. As we journey toward the celebration of Christ’s birth, we are reminded that we live in the tension of the interval. Christ has come, and Christ will come again. In this space between, Peter offers a profound reminder of the joy that anchors our faith.
Joy, as Peter describes, is not based on circumstances, feelings, or visible evidence. Rather, it is a joy born from the assurance that salvation is ours, and God is faithful. It is, as Peter writes, “inexpressible and glorious joy.” A joy rooted in love and trust and not in a shallow or fleeting happiness.
During Advent we reflect on the wonder that God gave us his only son. The joy of shepherds, the rejoicing of Mary, and the praise of angels all declare the truth that joy is found in God’s presence, even amid uncertainty and darkness. Jesus’ coming brought the light and hope that shines in us today, even when we walk through trials.
Peter wrote to believers who were suffering and scattered. He reminded them as he reminds us that true joy flows not from what we see but from whom we trust. As we light the pink Advent candle of joy, may we rest in the truth that our joy is secure in Christ. We may not see Him now, but we love Him. And in that love, we find joy that nothing in this world can take away.
Let us choose joy this Advent, not because life is easy, but because Christ is near.
Guided Reflection:
As we await the coming King, how can your Advent journey help you to grow deeper in your belief and richer in joy?
About the Author
Dominic Yeager, MFA
Professor and Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Dominic is a professor and Chair for the Department of Theatre Arts. He received his MFA in 2010 and EMBA in 2022 and previously served as Chair for the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Alabama. Dominic is committed to serving artists through his training as an arts administrator, using these skills to help artists bring their ideas and stories to the stage and screen.
He has worked on two feature films “Service to Man,” and “The Coming,” and produced shows off-Broadway at 59E59 Theatres and Theatre Row. Dominic’s most recent work includes the development of New Voices Theatre Festival, which is committed to the development of work that provides a voice for underrepresented communities. He is a member of the Southeastern Theatre Conference where serves on the Fundraising committee. He is also a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) and the Association of Arts Administration Educators (AAAE).