Advent: Joy
On the third week of Advent we have the opportunity to take a look at joy. Joy is such an essential, yet often misunderstood component of Christmas.
At the first Christmas, 2000 years ago, a huge number of angelic warriors appeared to a small band of shepherds to pronounce a message of infinite importance.
"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." -- Luke 2:10 ESV
This message was good, it was great, and it was a message of joy, not just for the shepherds it for the Israelites, but for everyone, for you and for me.
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"
Joy is the bedrock, the foundation on which we build our lives. Peace and hope find sure footing on the joy that comes in the good news, the Gospel. The same good message that was pronounced by angels is still relevant today and still brings joy to everyone who will accept it.
Joy is not a state of perpetual happiness and smiles, but it is the constant that we find strength in and are sustained by, whether in times of difficulty or ease.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." -- Psalm 16:11 ESV
Joy is a central theme to Christmas because it is intricately intertwined with the good news, that Jesus was born to save us from our sin. When we accept this and walk with Him we will find files of joy.
Merry Christmas!
At the first Christmas, 2000 years ago, a huge number of angelic warriors appeared to a small band of shepherds to pronounce a message of infinite importance.
"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." -- Luke 2:10 ESV
This message was good, it was great, and it was a message of joy, not just for the shepherds it for the Israelites, but for everyone, for you and for me.
"Joy to the world, the Lord is come!"
Joy is the bedrock, the foundation on which we build our lives. Peace and hope find sure footing on the joy that comes in the good news, the Gospel. The same good message that was pronounced by angels is still relevant today and still brings joy to everyone who will accept it.
Joy is not a state of perpetual happiness and smiles, but it is the constant that we find strength in and are sustained by, whether in times of difficulty or ease.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." -- Psalm 16:11 ESV
Joy is a central theme to Christmas because it is intricately intertwined with the good news, that Jesus was born to save us from our sin. When we accept this and walk with Him we will find files of joy.
Merry Christmas!
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