(Part 2 of my Advent Children’s Story at Beaver Creek Church for the month of December. This is written for our small humans, but even adults can be blessed through simple stories. Enjoy!)
Last week, we lit the candle of Hope there on the Advent wreath! This Sunday, we lit a second candle: the candle of Joy.
What is joy? The dictionary defines joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” So what sort of things make you feel really happy?
How about Christmas? Does thinking about Christmas make you feel happy or joyful? What about Christmas makes you feel that way?
The Bible has a lot to say about joy. Here are a few verses that talk about joy:
- Philippians 4:4 (NIV): “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice!”
- Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV): “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
- Proverbs 17:22 (NIV): “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, meaning that when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are filled with the Spirit, who gives us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The song I want to share today is called “When I Think Upon Christmas” by Hillsong.
https://www.facebook.com/536207296/videos/1040970583783969/ (full video of song!)
Jesus really was the best God could have sent to earth. He came in a way that was accessible to all–a baby born to a carpenter and a young girl in a stable in Bethlehem. The shepherds worshiped Him. The kings from the faraway east followed the star and worshiped Him. And here, in our church today, we worship Him with joy in our hearts.
“For the joy of the world, He was born. Bringing peace to us all through the gift of the Son. Now the darkest of ages are done, for the Savior of heaven has come.”
Because Jesus came, there is light and life in the world. I challenge you to keep your eyes open this week and look for things that bring you joy, and when you feel that joy, take a moment and simply say “thank You” to God for that thing.
I will see you next week!
Blessings,
~Lynne
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