Advent-joy

I think joy is the meeting point between 'waiting' and 'arrival'.
Whether it is the arrival of a family member for a visit, a parcel in the mail, or the birth of a child, there is great joy when the anticipated moment finally occurs.

Now it is not 'Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel', but:
'Joy to the world, the Lord has come.'

'Delayed hope makes one sick at heart, but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life.' (Prov. 13:12)
'And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.' (Luke 2:6, 7)

'But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. ' (Gal. 4:4)

I don't think it was a particularly 'Silent night'. I think the angels singing, and shepherds rushing, and baby crying ('cause I expect even Jesus cried) made it a noisy, joyous night.

'The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight.'

'Gloria in excelsis Deo!'

'Good Christian men rejoice
With heart and soul and voice!
Give ye heed to what we say
News! News!
Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before Him bow
And He is in the manger now
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!'