"God Promises Joy"

 

Isaiah 12:2-6

 

    Our word for today is rejoice.  I recently heard someone say that to rejoice you had to have had a previous time of joy in your life.  This year I am reminded rejoicing is not something that comes easily to everyone.  For those who have had a great year it is natural to rejoice.  But there are some who come into Advent with a limp in their giddyup.  Rather than their cup being full or even half full, it feels like it is half empty or completely empty.  If they have known joy in their lives they wonder if they will ever experience that feeling again.  They long to rejoice but they are not sure they know how anymore.

 

     Today we will attempt to rejoice through music.  For some the music will bring wonderful joy.  Others will have tears will up in their eyes.  Certain songs or certain words or phrases will remind them of people they have known and loved, they will remember the way things used to be, and there will be an emptiness or a sadness.  I think one of the hopes for Christmas is that somehow the word that God speaks through the Christ child will have a positive impact on those who are already full of joy and will fill the emptiness in the hearts of those who long to rejoice. 

 

      Our generation is not the first that has longed to hear a word from God.  The prophet Isaiah was speaking to a people who longed for a good word from the Lord.  He let them know that there was a day coming that would be like the day of the Exodus from Egypt when you will experience the grace of God in overwhelming fullness.  He told them of a time in the future when people would draw water from the well of salvation with joy.  The king of peace is coming.  May that hope help you endure your present trials and allow you to praise him now in anticipation of what is to come.  You can sing praises even in the midst of your difficulty because of the one who is in your midst, the Holy One of Israel. 

 

       We might be thinking that sounds good but it sure is easier to rejoice when things are going our way.  But the truth of scripture reminds us that rejoicing in worship comes not from the situation we are in, it comes because of the one in our midst.

 

        When Jean and I went back to New Jersey for our niece's funeral, there was something special about being with family, even if it was only for a brief time.  We all had heavy hearts but there was a sense of joy at being together.  To me that was a glimpse of the kingdom of God.  Even in our times of greatest sadness, there is reason to rejoice.  We have a Risen Savior who promises that we have something to look forward to. After all is said and done in this life, after all of the ups and downs, there is glad heavenly reunion in the kingdom of God. 

 

         As Isaiah said, "Behold, God is my salvation.  I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord is my strength and my song."  May God be our strength and our song this day.  Let us rejoice.