Let’s go back a few years, back to the days that Pastor Doug, Pastor Mark and I were working at Calgary East Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Doug had started a series on JOY that, I believe, was going to go for an entire year. A whole year focused on JOY. I must say that, for me at the time, making it through the week in a joyful state of mind was not all that easy. You see, Natalie and I lived up the Deerfoot Trail and, if you have ever been on that stretch during rush-hour, there is little joy in Whoville by the time you get home. I was trying to figure out how Pastor Doug was going to stretch out a sermon series for a year based on JOY. How much can you say about JOY? Well, let me tell you, there is more to joy than just the regular dictionary definition, you see JOY is Jesus, Others and You. This seems like the perfect time to take a look at this in context of the world around us.
Currently, there is not a place anywhere on the earth that isn’t lacking perfect peace and joy. An argument can be made for those little places where no one has any issues with anyone but reflect on this, someone always has a neighbour with a pet that does damage to lawn or garden and there is always that one relative that causes issues at the family dinner. Countries having issues with each other regarding territory, trade, religious differences or even the old argument of “we are right and they are all wrong”. Even in the church there are arguments; King James Version verses the Message (they are both the inspired Word of God, get over it), the three wise men beside the manger or thousands of miles away on their trek. There have been church splits over the wording above the door into the sanctuary. Where is the joy in selfish arguments or self-righteous indignation? I had to look that last one up to make sure I was using it correctly and, yes I was, but it is rather harsh. Here is the thing, when we lose focus on JOY, chaos and anger reign because the foundation of JOY is overshadowed by the cloak of darkness.
Jesus, the J in JOY, is the Son of God, the Prince of Peace and the Saviour of all people and He is the reason for this season we are in. Sorry folks, Santa and presents are not central to the Christmas celebration, it is Jesus. Remember when the Grinch stole all the presents from the people of Whoville and they came out in the morning lacking all the presents and trimmings of Christmas and they held hands to sing joyfully in the square? The Grinch listened for the sad cries but he did not hear that! He says:
“It came without ribbons, it came without tags, it came without packages, boxes or bags!”
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before, “Maybe Christmas” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more”. Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
Jesus came to earth to give us all a hope and show us the proper way to live life. Find the JOY in the Lord through Christ the King and remember that we are all His children. Instead of fighting with others or starting wars over stupid trivial things, find the good in Others and rejoice in their happiness. Gather in the square and sing out:
Fahoo foores dahoo dore-es welcome Christmas bring your light
Fahoo fores dahoo dore-es welcome in the cold, dark night
Welcome Christmas, fahoo ramus, welcome Christmas, dahoo damus
Welcome Christmas, while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand
Stand hand in hand with those around you and celebrate JOY and let your heart burst with love and happiness. When you have Jesus in your heart, Others around you to celebrate alongside you, then You will be blessed in the miracle of His grace for all of us. Hundreds of years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah prophesied of His coming and told of His blessing for us all.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isa 9:6 NLT
There is none greater than the Messiah, no government can conquer Him, no powers can break His perfect peace. He is born to us all and there is no end to His love and peace. JOY; Jesus, Others and You. Celebrate Him this Christmas and may peace reign supreme in your hearts.
This Sunday, Pastor Todd brings the message of JOY on this third day of Advent, Peace. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms ), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
Comments