Joy

What brings you joy?


During the Christmas season, joy is a common theme. In commercials, churches, Christmas cards, and song, joy is a popular word.


When the angel appeared to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem 2000 years ago, he said “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”


The angel told the shepherds that the joy that all people should have is joy that the Messiah, our Lord and Savior, has been born.


Do we have joy? What should we be taking joy in?


Jesus further explains this joy that we should have.


In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus explains the joy that is found in heaven. He tells the story of a shepherd who leaves behind 99 sheep to look for 1 missing sheep. The shepherd then throws a party to celebrate the lost sheep being found. Jesus tells us the moral of the story, "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."


So heaven takes joy at our salvation.


Jesus also tells us what our joy should be. In Luke 10, Jesus sends out 72 of his disciples to go to various towns he is about to visit to prepare the way. They are given authority over demons and the power to heal. They return to Christ telling him the awesomeness of being able to do things in his name. He tells them that while that is cool, there is something greater that they should take joy in. He says "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”


So Jesus tells us that our joy should be in our salvation.


In this season of Christmas joy, is our joy in our salvation? Heaven is rejoicing at it, are we?