Joy

Twenty-Second Day of Advent

Can you recall an occasion when you experienced great joy? Perhaps when you learned that a loved one was safe and going to be okay. Or when you found something precious you had lost, passed an exam, or won a prize. Something of great importance like a wedding or the birth of a child, or trivial like a game winning field goal or home run. But regardless what it was, you couldn’t contain your exuberance, and had to pour out your sense of well-being and/or relief for all to see.

The angels shouted for joy at the time of creation. (Job 38:7) They do it again at the repentance of sinners. (Luke 15:10) And it’s the obvious response to the news of the birth of a Saviour.

So, as we draw near to Christmas, and reflect upon the birth of Jesus, let’s not sit on our hands. Let’s pour out our joy for the whole world to see. All of the struggling, searching and striving; all of the bruises, and aching and longing; all of the hoping, believing and trusting; our eggs in one basket, our faith in one God, are fulfilled. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11-12

The victory is ours.

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people…

Luke 2:10

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:

Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4