God Leads in Joy

~~~ Second Sunday of Advent ~~~

 

~~~Baruch 5:1-9~~~Psalm 126~~~Philippians 1:4-6,8-11~~~Luke 3:1-6~~~

 

The message of joy rings out with each of the scriptures selected for this second Sunday of Advent.

The time of our waiting for the Messiah to come should be enriched with

the fragrance of joy.

A joy that originates with the Annunciation from the angel to Mary.

Joy is an emotion felt deep within your heart...

an emotion of quiet peace.

 

"...The forests and every fragrant kind of tree
have overshadowed Israel at God's command;
for God is leading Israel in joy
by the light of his glory,
with his mercy and justice for company."

 

We are attracted by different odors; today the very joy of God

emanates from nature.

God himself is ushering us by the light of his glory to our

salvation. God knows the way...he is leading us...

he is teaching us.

He leads us with great joy evident by our desire to laugh and sing.

Research has proven that laughing is good for our whole person...

mind, body, and soul.

Joy brings forth music and laughter...

Joy lifts our spirit.

 

Paul writes of his personal joy when he remembers and prays for

his supporters in Ephesus.

 

"...I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
because of your partnership for the gospel..."

 

Today I am filled with joy because God has given

me every blessing I could ever imagine.

If love is increasing in your life it is through the workings

of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

I believe with all my heart that God affectionately

longs for us to be with

him in heaven.

 

 

There are occasions for joy all around us.

Sometimes we miss the opportunity to joy even when

it is right before our eyes.

Even as I sit here now with a broken water pipe, a soggy carpet,

and no water to the house for a while

there is still reason to be joyful.

 

At least I was home and made the soggy discovery before

too much damage was done.

 

As we progress through this second week of Advent

make a point to notice where joy

is making it's appearance.

 

Consider it all

JOY,

as Paul would say to his loved ones.