12-19-2018

Good Morning All,

           John 17:13; “But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

    It is all about joy!  That is sure the impression that you get at Christmas.  We sing “Joy to the World;” the angels had glad tidings of great joy; the wise men had joy when they saw the star; the baby in the womb of Elizabeth “leapt with joy” when Mary visited; two old people in the Temple sang with joy when Jesus was brought to be circumcised.  It is all about joy.  Yet for many, this is the most depressing time of the year.  Suicides and attempted suicides go up this time of year.  Being despondent is often evident with many we see and the smile and the “Merry Christmas” looks as fake and forced as it truly is.

    We had a local pastor’s meeting yesterday and we always have a short worship service.  I asked them what the rose-colored candle meant.  I got the standard and proper answer and then I asked them, “Do you ever think ‘whew’ over half done?”  Most smiled and reluctantly shook their head ‘yes’.  This is the season we look to for joy but do we find it?

    First, I think we need to recognize that joy is not the same as happiness.  I know we use them interchangeably but they really are two different words with two different meanings.  While we usually associate the two together; you can experience one without the other.  Happiness is a feeling or emotion which comes and goes quickly.  I can see something funny and feel happy or see something cute and feel happy but it can be gone just as quickly.  True joy is the mental and emotional appreciation of the good that God has done for us and that we have received.  It is deeper because we receive joy from outside of ourselves, our situation and our own ability.  True joy comes from God.

    This is why, in Scriptures, when we speak of the birth of Jesus, we speak of joy coming to us.  Joy comes to us by trusting that the promises of God are true and worthy; not because we believe them but because God makes them real.  The gift of Jesus is real and available to everyone regardless of whether they believe it or not; they simply walk away from the comfort and the joy that knowing Jesus can give us.  Every good thing is dependent upon God and His grace and we know this grace is for us because of Jesus.  We know God’s grace for us is real because of Jesus coming to live, die and rise again for us.  This is the good thing which God has done for us that gives us joy.

    You may not be very happy this year; you might even be sad.  Yet because of God’s grace, you can know His joy and His peace which is for you to give you comfort and hope even in the darkest darkness that you may know.  Jesus is there with you to bring you through.  Joy to you for the Lord is come!

Father, guide my heart to know your joy.  Guide me to see that joy is a gift from you and not a feeling that is like the wind.  Comfort all who struggle at this time of the year.  Send them your Spirit and envelope them in your loving arms that they may know peace, in the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret