On Christmas Eve family and friends gathered in Emmanuel’s auditorium to commemorate the birth of Christ. The room was aglow with a backdrop of festive Christmas trees, there were many hugs and greetings being exchanged, and it was evident that the children and adults alike were brimming with the anticipation of Christmas. With candles lit and held high, the congregation raised their voices together and worshipped, singing “Silent Night, Holy Night.” While singing, I caught a glimpse of a young boy who had set his gaze on the flicker of the flame. Wholly fixed on the light, it was as if a wave of peace and wonder washed over him. I looked around and saw that this child wasn’t the only one with their eyes fixed calmly on the light. I prayed. I prayed for that boy, I prayed for two specific men who were there just looking for a shred of hope and miraculous escape from their troubles, and I prayed for those who were present out of duty, out of guilt, or seemingly family obligation. Would they, would any of us in that gathering, really grasp the true meaning of Christmas: the arrival of Christ, who is the light of the world? The service ended with a lively chorus of Joy to the World. It was a beautiful moment of celebratory singing. Joy to the World signifies not only the birth of Christ but of his future return. We should rejoice because the Lord has come and will reign over all creation. JOY! Joy to the world!
We can experience joy. Not just any joy, but a joyride that is unlike any other. It is the fullness of joy. In Hebrews 12:2-3 we read; “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The meaning of joy in Hebrews 12:2 is the anticipated reward and fulfillment Jesus looked forward to when enduring the cross. The Greek word is “charis” and it’s described as a deep, abiding gladness that is a profound all-encompassing lasting sense of happiness and contentment, not just a short-lived pleasure. Jesus had his eyes, his heart, his mind — his whole being — fixed on that highly exalted place. That was the joy set before him.
I think most of us have already figured out that this life is not a cakewalk. Trouble, disappointment, and conflict abound. And I’m here to tell you, there will be more deprivation in life. Pressure IS coming. How are you going to respond to those hardships? Will your flame be snuffed out causing you to succumb to the darkness of the world or will you have that same joy that Jesus did?
We can be light and joy to the world. A weary world can rejoice, we can experience a different kind of joyride. And we can have the “fullness of joy” by keeping our eyes of faith fixed on the prize Jesus has set before us. Let’s always look to Jesus for the source of that joy. #joyride
We can experience joy. Not just any joy, but a joyride that is unlike any other. It is the fullness of joy. In Hebrews 12:2-3 we read; “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
The meaning of joy in Hebrews 12:2 is the anticipated reward and fulfillment Jesus looked forward to when enduring the cross. The Greek word is “charis” and it’s described as a deep, abiding gladness that is a profound all-encompassing lasting sense of happiness and contentment, not just a short-lived pleasure. Jesus had his eyes, his heart, his mind — his whole being — fixed on that highly exalted place. That was the joy set before him.
I think most of us have already figured out that this life is not a cakewalk. Trouble, disappointment, and conflict abound. And I’m here to tell you, there will be more deprivation in life. Pressure IS coming. How are you going to respond to those hardships? Will your flame be snuffed out causing you to succumb to the darkness of the world or will you have that same joy that Jesus did?
We can be light and joy to the world. A weary world can rejoice, we can experience a different kind of joyride. And we can have the “fullness of joy” by keeping our eyes of faith fixed on the prize Jesus has set before us. Let’s always look to Jesus for the source of that joy. #joyride