Advent Comfort and Joy
Isaiah 9(NRSV) 1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
2 The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
“O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, o tidings of comfort and joy.“
Have you thought much about what Advent is supposed to do in our lives? It is a time of preparation, a time where we can turn away from despair and turn toward hope, a time to say no to chaos and to embrace peace, a time to put away our sorrow and become overwhelmed by joy.
Don’t we all need joy today?
Advent comfort and joy comes when we focus on God’s great presence. Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Advent is the celebration of God’s being with us! Matthew 1:23 reads, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” But it is one thing to hear the words God is with us, and another for us to invite him to be with us, for us to know he is with us. To incorporate that knowledge into our daily living brings joy.
Be encouraged this Advent! Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world! You are not alone! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You can “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” You can be strong in the lord and be of good courage. With Jesus, you have a mighty conqueror in your life! The joy of the Lord truly is your strength.
God rest ye merry gentlemen, (Men, women, boys and girls, receive joy today in God’s power, presence, unfailing love, and rest)
Let nothing you dismay (Don’t let anything get you down, do not listen to anything that disagrees with God’s Word)
Remember Christ our savior was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s power (Satan’s power begins with our thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ) when we had gone astray, O
tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
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