​Restoring the Joy of Salvation

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
– Psalm 51:12

I have vague memories of being a young child, dressed up in a white robe with a golden pipe
cleaner halo, performing a Christmas pageant on my Baptist church stage. And for nearly 30
years, I have spent Christmas in church, singing familiar songs, exchanging familiar greetings,
and praying familiar prayers. And while I dearly love tradition and the sentiment and nostalgia it
brings, I have, on more than one occasion, found my heart disconnected from the words I’m
speaking or singing due to their familiarity. The joy of my salvation has been reduced to three
refrains of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

When I find myself in this state, I find one of the simplest ways to return to a posture of joy in
the salvation we celebrate around Christmas time is to reflect to what the birth of Christ, his
death, and his resurrection have meant for me personally. What has the gift of salvation looked
like in my life? Where have I seen Christ’s saving power? How have I experienced his presence
in ways that are intimately personal?

I believe one of the beautiful gifts the Lord has given us is that of imagination. If you find that
this feeling of disconnect resonates with you this Advent, I invite you to pause and think about
your walk with Christ. Take a moment to reflect on the ways that you have personally
encountered the Lord’s presence, whether that be through scriptural revelations, inexplicable
peace in difficult circumstances, the presence and spirit-led encouragement of a friend, and
hold that in your heart. Then, with your eyes closed, imagine yourself approaching the manger
where the Savior who was born to you (Luke 2:11) lay. Imagine yourself looking into the infant
face of Jesus and thank him for his love, his presence, his sacrifice. Be specific with the ways
that you have experienced him in your life. Lastly, ask him for his joy. Joy is a fruit of his spirit in
our lives, something that does not come from ourselves. Receive his joy and choose to meditate
on the joy of salvation that you’ve been gifted through Christ as you engage in Christmas
activities, songs, and prayers this Advent season.


​- Sarah Youngs