Joy is Transformative
Key Point
Joy is transformative. There is nothing that brings me more joy than reflecting on this, God becoming human and living among us. Jesus being born to a virgin was the most significant event in human history as it was the beginning of God’s rescue of the world from sin and evil!
About the Story
For now, let us jump into the story of today! Today we are reading from Isaiah 9: 1-7. Again, this story speaks of the prophecies that foretold the birth of Jesus… somewhat of a theme we have going on here, hey Jon?
We might have had these prophecy ideas planned out – But yes, they foretell the coming of Jesus many, many years before his birth with great accuracy.
Isaiah continues with this prophecy. He specifically speaks about two very different scenarios.
That is right, Isaiah is showing us, or talking rather of people, who have lived without God. He speaks of the darkness and the heaviness they live through and then says that the light has shone on them. Our Lesson for today is Joy is Transformative!
This is a really common way we see Jesus talked about. Especially in the Old Testament – They describe the life he gives, the creation story, the presence of the Holy Spirit as Light.
We do see that a lot! It really helps me understand the Idea that Jesus guides and shepherds us, as we spoke about last week. As if he is a lantern amongst a dark street!
Isaiah continues to go into detail about the difference between a life with God or without God. Specifically, once the Son of Man or Jesus comes to earth – The prophecy we were speaking about earlier!
Lastly, he tells of the Joy that comes with the future messiah. The joy that is multiplied amongst the nations and shared with all people!
A gift will most likely not change someone’s entire life. But we KNOW that a relationship with Jesus, the Joy of Jesus, can and does change lives all the time!
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Application
The Joy of Jesus is Transformative! It takes us from under the sin and brokenness we all have and guides us to a life with God! And if that isn’t something to be Joyful about, I don’t know what is!
It is very exciting! I find myself every year, as we continue in the Advent season and prepare for the stories about Jesus’ birth and all the Joy that he brought, and how he transformed our world, I can’t help but get butterflies of excitement growing inside of me!
Me too! I have found that I am much less focused on the gifts I am giving or receiving for the holidays, especially this year. I am more excited to help share the Joy of Jesus, whether that be calling loved ones more, sending homemade cards or simply smiling at people as I am on a walk! I have been really thankful for that shift in priority or focus!
That is awesome. A gift will most likely not change someone’s entire life. But we KNOW that a relationship with Jesus, the Joy of Jesus, can and does change lives all the time!
