Good morning! Our final Advent devotional this year comes to us from Joya Ogier, who is a sophomore from Florida majoring in Film, Television and Digital Media. I first met Joya when she came to meet with me about starting a new campus ministry called Every Nation Campus (ENC) nearly a year ago. I remember telling her during that meeting that her presence was true to her name – full of JOY! Joya is one of those people who has an infectious smile, a welcoming presence, and an engaging personality. She not only makes you feel a significant sense of JOY by simply being around her, but she also makes you want to join her in whatever she might be doing. Those gifts aid her well in her role as the President of ENC, where she is making a significant impact on our campus. Her faith is core to who she is as a person, which is evident in her words for us today. I hope they feel your heart with JOY today and throughout the rest of the Advent season! -Rev. Dr. Lauren Sierra, Assistant Chaplain
James 1: 2-8
“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.
If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
Saying yes to Jesus has been the best decision of my life. Growing up in a mixed-religion household, I attended Catholic school with Mass and Confession while also exploring astrology and psychics, which left me questioning a lot. When I switched to public school, I stopped going to church—not out of disbelief, but because I didn’t see its purpose. High school left me searching for more, and during the pandemic, I felt lost. My relationships were strained, and my friends were leading me down the wrong path.
Then someone shared the Gospel of Jesus with me. For the first time, I understood that Jesus wanted a relationship with me and had already given my life purpose. Since then, I’ve found joy, restored my family relationships, and discovered my true purpose in Him.
Jesus never promises a life of rainbows and butterflies. No, He tells us that trials will come in life, but you are no longer alone. There can, at times, even be joy in your suffering. Jesus loves to hear our emotions—all the good, bad, and ugly.
In Psalm 6:6-7, David cries out to God, literally telling Him that his bed is soaked with tears. God hears us like a friend and protects us like a Father. You can be sad and still have joy.
Happiness is an emotion reflecting external situations—free food, getting an A on your final, or TCU football winning. Joy, however, is a reflection of the Holy Spirit living inside you. Maybe you didn’t get the grade you wanted on your final, and you’re upset, but you still have the joy of the Lord inside of you.
If you find yourself suffering in some way during this season of Advent, I encourage you to ask Jesus to help you discover your Joy. Perhaps you will find it in unexpected but significant ways.
Let us pray.
Jesus thank you for calling me chosen, for never turning an ear, and meeting me where I am. I pray you can help me find Joy in my suffering. Help me find my identity in you. Thank you for the gift of joy in this holiday season, and I pray the joy doesn’t stop here. Thank you for what you did on the cross for me. I pray I can always remember how much you love me. Amen.