JOY (Second of Advent) - Joy & Peace
This year, during Advent Season we are going to be focusing on JOY.
Last week we learned about:
(click HERE to view)
And today we are focusing on "Joy & Peace."
When researching for this series, I was amazed at how many times the word "joy" occurs in the Bible! Just like last week we will begin with basic definitions of each word:
Joy - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. Bliss, cheer, delight, glee. (the opposite is: sorrow & sadness)
Peace - a state of tranquility or quiet. Calm, serenity, harmony. (the opposite is: conflict, fighting, unrest & turmoil)
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The Scripture passage below is the reason why we should be exuding joy all the time (not just during Christmas):
But the angel said to them, “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.
Luke 2:10-11
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I believe that "joy" and "peace" go hand in hand. You can't be cheerful while fighting, and you can't be sad when there is harmony. It is explained in a better way in the first Scripture passage below:
The kingdom of God is inside of us!!! It says so in
Luke 17:20-21:
Jesus answered, “God’s kingdom is coming, but not in a way that you will be able to see with your eyes. People will not say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ because God’s kingdom is within you.”
When we are filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit, that means that both peace and joy should overflow through our actions. (see the Romans 14:17 above).
And the Bible verse below shows us that both joy and peace are immensely powerful.
Joy terminates sadness and peace blockades fighting.
The lyrics in this song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" are so wonderful and relevant to what's happening today!
:
"And in despair I bowed my head:
(from Christmas hymn - "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day")
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
God is NOT dead, nor does He sleep!!! - Jesus Christ is alive forevermore! And because of Jesus our Messiah - we shall live in JOY & PEACE with Him for eternity!
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You might be interested in viewing this video:
click HERE to view
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