JOY: Where Real Joy Comes From!
Luke 2:8-12
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Video for this Sunday’s service can be viewed on our Facebook page @ Sunday, December 11, 2022
Where Does Joy Come From?
Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing.
It is the reverse of happiness.
Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort.
Joy has its spring deep down inside.
And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens. Only Jesus gives that joy.
Samuel Gordon
Joy for me is the expression of absolute confidence that I am truly wanted and loved.
It is knowing that for all eternity NOTHING will ever separate me from that love! Not life, nor death, neither my fears for today nor my worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate me from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus my Lord.! (Romans 8:31-39)
Joy stirs deep within me and bubbles to the surface because God loved me so much that he sent the best part of himself to this earth to fully experience all I go through in this life. He actually knows me better than I know myself. His true feelings about me are clearly seen when I picture him carrying the cross in agonizing pain to the place we would pay the price for every one of my failures. With every step he takes it is “for the joy” of knowing he would create a pathway for me to be with him forever!
During this time of year when we celebrate Jesus arriving as a vulnerable little baby, I am overwhelmed with joy. Every Christmas light I see reminds me that HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD that continues to penetrate the dark places of this world and bring real hope and joy!
I’m looking forward to our time together this Sunday to joyfully worship the one who loves us most!
Grateful for you,
Pastor John