Advent Week 3: Joy Reflection | Bonus Spoken-Word Episode

This Advent, I’ve been sharing a short spoken-word piece each week—little moments to help us breathe, pay attention, and remember what God is growing in us during this season.

Today, we’re talking about Joy and not the thin, glittery version December tries to sell us, but the deeper kind. The kind that actually holds.

Because if you’re anything like me, joy can feel a little buried this time of year. The lists get long.

The lights get loud. And somewhere between “too much” and “to-do”… joy gets jammed.

But Scripture reminds us: joy isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. Joy is what happens when grace finally gets our attention.

In this reflection, I explore the connection between the Greek words for joy and grace, why John the Baptist is such a surprising teacher of joy, and how stepping out of the spotlight might actually be the place where joy grows deepest.

My hope is that this simple poem gives you permission to stand where grace has placed you, breathe a little deeper, and recognize the light that God is already shining through you.

Make a plan and join us this Advent: https://linktr.ee/bethanydenver

00:00 — Welcome & Advent mini-episode introduction

00:37 — When joy gets buried under December

01:15 — Joy vs. momentary happiness

01:40 — The Greek roots of joy & grace

02:08 — John the Baptist and the joy of knowing who you’re not

03:05 — Why we chase titles—and why grace tells the truth

03:40 — Joy as standing where grace has placed you

04:10 — The good news of who you are (and who you’re not)

04:40 — Blessing & Amen