Today is the third Sunday in Advent and today's reading from the LEC Family Advent Devotional is Psalm 118:24 -- The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
In today's devotional, the writer reminds us that happiness and joy are not the same. The Greek word for joy is "chara" and has two meanings -- calm delight and exceeding gladness. "Putting those two phrases together gives us a complete picture of how the Bible understands joy: it is the constant acknowledgment of something good in our lives, which comes from a Source outside ourselves." In today's Old Testament, Psalter, and Epistle Lectionary readings, we are very much reminded to rejoice and be joyful. "He has sent me to give them oil of joy in place of mourning." "I surely rejoice in the Lord; my heart is joyful because of my God." "Our mouths were suddenly filled with laughter; our tongues were filled with joyful shouts." "Yes, the Lord has done great things for us, and we are overjoyed." "Let those who plant with tears reap the harvest with joyful shouts." "Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
The devotional writer sums how we, as Advent people, should be joyful: Advent people know there is
only one source for all our joy. That constant presence of something good
in our lives is nothing less than the very presence of God’s love within us. It
is the ready acknowledgment that no matter what happens in your life, whatever
ailments, trials, or sufferings you may go through, God is always
there. Emmanuel: God is with us. That is the message of
Advent: God is drawing near to you in an intimate relationship of love,
life, and hope through Jesus Christ, your Emmanuel. And regardless of what
happens to you, God won’t leave you. Today, and every day, you can rejoice,
and be glad in it.
This week I lost a very dear friend. I attended his memorial service, and at that memorial service, he was described as always be joyful -- always having a smile on his face. He was filled with the joy of the Lord. I don't always live my life as joyfully as I should. Sometimes I don't rejoice in the Lord, especially during times of sorrow or doubt. But the joy of the Lord that my friend had, that's what I want! This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Today's Advent Photo of the Day
#joy #pictureadvent
Good morning! This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!
No comments:
Post a Comment