Love Leads to Joy

We started our Advent journey with a hopeful lament. Hopeful because we believe in God. Lamenting because it makes space to be honest so we can be present for what God wants to do in us. Over the last week, we’ve looked at different ways that God shows his love for us.

He is a Good Shepherd, as in Psalm 23 – leading us and caring for us. His mercy and his goodness chase us! He honors us by serving us, as Jesus washed the disciple’s feet in John 13. He gives us what we need, as Jesus fed the disciples breakfast in John 21. These are beautiful pictures of God’s “chesed” love. Chesed is an Old Testament word that means “steadfast, loyal, gracious, constant and loving-kindness.

This Third Sunday of Advent, we talk about joy. Not the joy that happens just because we got the present we were longing for or because the greatest thing happened. The genuine joy that doesn’t depend on any certain outcome because it comes from God. We cannot manufacture it, but we can cultivate it and let God grow it in us.

God’s amazing love leads to gratitude. Gratitude leads to joy. You might think that sounds too simple, but I dare you to try it! Just try and think of the ways God loves you, all the people and provisions he has blessed you with…and not feel joy in your heart. I bet you can’t do it! 

Joy to the World!
Pastor Cindy

Photo by Preslie Hirsch on Unsplash