Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
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. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:1-7 NLT)
Joy. What an incredibly powerful three letter word. In a world filled with four letter words - that often show a lack of creativity and happiness - joy is a word we should all endeavor to place in our hearts and vocabulary.
What makes you joyful?
For Missy it would be (in no particular order):
1.) Sea turtles
2.) Rocks
3.) Mexican food
4.) Sand between her toes
5.) Warm, sunny days
6.) Playing the piano
7.) Board and card games with family and friends
8.) The University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball and Football
For Steve it would be (in no particular order):
1.) TCU Football
2.) World Cup Futbol (soccer to us Westerners)
3.) Playing games with family and friends
4.) Listening to Missy play the piano
5.) Reading
6.) Peppermint melts in my coffee
7.) Teaching, preaching and writing
7.) Board and card games with family and friends
8.) The University of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball and Football
For Steve it would be (in no particular order):
1.) TCU Football
2.) World Cup Futbol (soccer to us Westerners)
3.) Playing games with family and friends
4.) Listening to Missy play the piano
5.) Reading
6.) Peppermint melts in my coffee
7.) Teaching, preaching and writing
“These are a few of our favorite things…”
Now, you may notice one glaring omission from each of those lists. Perhaps you even wondered out loud - why didn’t they put God on those lists? Where is Jesus? Where is the church? “I thought they were Christians!?” Shouldn’t God be first on the lists?!?!
Actually, God is in every single one of those things that brings us joy. And, He is first.
Now, you may notice one glaring omission from each of those lists. Perhaps you even wondered out loud - why didn’t they put God on those lists? Where is Jesus? Where is the church? “I thought they were Christians!?” Shouldn’t God be first on the lists?!?!
Actually, God is in every single one of those things that brings us joy. And, He is first.
You see it don’t you? God is the reason for every single thing we enjoy. Every single thing you enjoy. God is the Author of joy and He is writing your story even now - and joy is on every page.
Yes, joy even when we are feeling desperation. Joy when we are sad. Joy when we are frustrated. Joy when we are disappointed. Joy when we are doubtful. Joy when we grieve. Joy when we bid farewell to one another. Joy when our team loses.
As Paul told the church at Philippi - “Be joyful in the LORD always! Again, I say, be joyful!” (Philippians 4:4)
As Peter wrote to those who follow Jesus: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very joyful—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (I Peter 4:12&13)
Perhaps Theodore Baker understood as well as anyone when in the 16th century (we think) he penned these lines…
Indeed, how great our joy!
Yes, joy even when we are feeling desperation. Joy when we are sad. Joy when we are frustrated. Joy when we are disappointed. Joy when we are doubtful. Joy when we grieve. Joy when we bid farewell to one another. Joy when our team loses.
As Paul told the church at Philippi - “Be joyful in the LORD always! Again, I say, be joyful!” (Philippians 4:4)
As Peter wrote to those who follow Jesus: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very joyful—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” (I Peter 4:12&13)
Perhaps Theodore Baker understood as well as anyone when in the 16th century (we think) he penned these lines…
While by the sheep we watched at night, glad tidings brought an angel bright.
There shall be born, so He did say, in Bethlehem a Child today.
There shall the Child lie in a stall, this Child who shall redeem us all.
This gift of God we’ll cherish well, that ever joy our hearts shall fill.
How great our joy! (Great our joy!)
Joy, joy, joy! (Joy, joy, joy!)
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high! (Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!)
Indeed, how great our joy!
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