Sermon Summary Advent Three Joy Grows
This sermon from Isaiah 55:12 and Philippians 4:7-9 brings a powerful focus on the theme of joy in the Christian faith. I have always cherished the passage from Isaiah, especially the vivid imagery of the hills singing and the trees clapping their hands. As a child, I was captivated by the poetry of these verses and found joy in imagining a world where nature itself rejoices in God’s presence. This love for joy and the celebration of God's creation stayed with me, and I realized that joy is one of the most dynamic responses God's people have to God’s presence. The Bible is filled with expressions of joy, both in the Hebrew Bible and New Testaments, because joy is a reflection of God's love and presence in our lives. From Psalms to the Gospels, we see joy as a consistent theme, with the message that Jesus came to bring us joy and that joy is meant to be a full and abundant part of our lives.
The story of Zacchaeus is a prime example of how we respond with joy when we encounter God's grace. Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, was curious about Jesus. He climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, and Jesus, in turn, invited Himself into Zacchaeus' house. Zacchaeus responded with joy, realizing that the last person Jesus would want to spend time with was, in fact, the person Jesus chose. This story reminds us that God chooses to be with us, not because we are perfect, but because God loves us just as we are. We don’t need to be "good enough" for God to accept us. This truth, that God wants to dwell with us, fills us with joy. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and to ask, "Where do we need to make space for Christ in our hearts and homes?"
In our own spiritual journeys, we are called to explore our curiosity about God, just as Zacchaeus did. I believe God places flares of curiosity in our lives—whether through science, culture, or politics—to spark our desire to seek Him. Just as Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to satisfy his curiosity, we must find our own "sycamore trees"—ways to educate ourselves, whether through reading, engaging with new ideas, or reflecting on God's work in the world. Exploring our curiosity deepens our relationship with God and grows our joy. The more we discover about God's presence and work, the more our joy flourishes.
Finally, joy is also connected to repentance and transformation. Zacchaeus, after experiencing Jesus' grace, pledged to repay those he had wronged. His joy came from knowing he had a second chance—a fresh start. God offers us the same opportunity for a new beginning, no matter where we are in life. Whether it's the start of a new week, a new year, or a new season in our lives, we are invited to turn over a new leaf. Even if we don't feel joy this Christmas, especially if we are grieving or struggling, we are reminded that joy is also found in the hope of the resurrection. Joy doesn't always look like happiness; it can also be a quiet, steadfast hope that even in our grief, God is with us. As I reflect on my own childhood memories of Advent and Christmas, I pray that this season will fill each of us with the joy of Christ’s birth and the deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing He is with us always.
No comments:
Post a Comment