Advent Alphabet - "J" - "Joy"

Advent Alphabet – “J” – “Joy” And behold, the star which had been seen in the east in its rising went before them until it came and stood over the place where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. (Matthew 2:9b-10) Joy was the entire ambiance and the pervading atmosphere of this Birthday! Joy should be one of the outstanding characteristics of a Christian, because it is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Eph.5:22). There was much rejoicing and exceedingly great joy over the birth of this Christ Child: 1)John the Baptist (in his mother’s womb) who was the son of Zachariah, an elderly Jewish priest, and his older wife, Elizabeth, who was a relative of Mary the mother of Jesus, both walked blamelessly before the Lord in great anticipation of the Messiah. Both played into the joy and exultation of Jesus’ birth (read Luke 1:5- 41, 42-45). 2) Mary’s Magnificat, “a joyous song or hymn of praise” (Luke 1:46-55). 3) Zachariah prophesied a joyous prophecy of Jesus, the Messiah (Luke 1:67-75). 4) Shepherds rejoiced (Luke 2:8-20). 5) Angels sang and rejoiced (Luke 2:9-14). 6) Simeon, a righteous and devout man rejoiced and prophesied (Luke 2:25-35). 7) Anna, a very old widow, a prophetess thanked God (Luke 2:36-38). 8) Wise men (astrologers) from the East were thrilled with ecstatic joy and worshiped (Matt.2:1-10-12). What would your response be at hearing and/or seeing an angel; or at seeing a phenomenal star; or seeing in person the Christ Child - the Savior of the world? I believe it would so dramatically change our lives that we would never be the same again. We would put away any worry or fears we might have. We would leave behind old hurts, grudges and unforgiveness. We would choose to focus on and worship Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem, the Hope of the hopeless, and the Savior of the world! Coming into a personal relationship with Jesus by trusting Him as our Savior of our sins ”is seeing” Him, and coming to know Him! And Oh, the joy of seeing and knowing Jesus! Just experiencing the goodness of God should bring us great joy! JOY TO THE WORLD Isaac Watts Joy to the world! The Lord is come, let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing! Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ. While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy! No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love!