“Home is the nicest word there is.” - Laura Ingalls Wilder
Celebration and Joy are markers of the Kingdom of God
The story of the Prodigal Luke 15:17-24
Luke 1:44 (ESV) For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.
Matthew 2:10 (ESV) When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Luke 2:10 (ESV) And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
How does Christmas and what it means bring us Joy? And how do we begin to move toward Joy at Christmas?
Recognize the
recognizing our need for joy is the first step towards finding it by inviting Jesus into our lives, just as the hosts at the wedding recognized their need for more wine.
The
The God of heaven and earth seems to find joy in converting the everyday waters of sustenance into the joy-evoking nectar of the vine! It is here that John, using the metaphors of water and wine, reveals just how transformative a touch from Jesus can be. Jesus, by his presence and power changes everything.
John 16:16-22 Sorrow will turn to joy. Like a pregnant woman, the pain is still real, but pails in comparison with the joy of the presence of a new life.
Joy in
Romans 5:10-11 (ESV) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Our welcome home is a welcome into a Kingdom of Joy made possible by Jesus.
Romans 14:17 (ESV) For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Conclusion- Ask God for a Gift this Christmas
Ask God to remove any lingering “Killjoy” images of who he is from your heart and to move our focus from the Joy Robbers of life to the God of Joy who is present to you.
Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.