Advent - Four weeks set apart for contemplation and celebration of the birth of Jesus. As we look into the Advent season, our desire is to help you prepare your heart and mind for Christmas and lure you away, for a brief moment from the pace and distraction that often surrounds this season.
December 13th, The Anticipation of Joy
This week we are looking at the anticipation of that “great joy”. It is a message from God in the pitch of night to the world. The glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds, then the angel of the lord was speaking about good news of great joy.
The language used here speaks in superlative expression of a different kind of joy. It’s a joy that comes not from the simple pleasures of this world, or of pleasing circumstance but from God Himself, and the great joy will stem from the fact that there has been born to us a Savior.
This “great joy” was not for a momentary celebration, but rather for the promise fulfilled to all people of the means for reconciliation of mankind to God Himself.
Let us anticipate a renewal of relationship with our Father. Let us take advantage of the promised condition of living out.
Psalm16:8-11 I have set the LORD continually before me Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
This is a part of the Joy unspeakable and full of glory that is available, not to mention the pleasures forevermore.
