Joy

During this Advent season, we have celebrated Christ’s gifts of hope, faith, and now joy. Webster’s defines joy: “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” What really brings you joy? Jesus taught in John 3:3 that we have no hope of seeing the kingdom of God unless we are born again. In 1 Peter 1:3, the apostle joyfully praises God for the hope He has brought in the new birth: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:8 continues, “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,” When faith, the assurance of things hoped for, is combined with hope, an expectant anticipation of good to come, the resulting experience is JOY! In 1 Thess. 4, Paul explains the rapture because he does not want them to sorrow over death “as those who have no hope.” The hope we enjoy in Christ is so extraordinary that, through faith, we can have joy even when persecuted. (Matt. 5:11-12) Imagine the impact God could have through His people if we were to rejoice in the Lord always! Neh. 8:10 says, Nehemiah 8:10 “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”