Sunday, December 15-Joy

Isaiah 12:2-8

In our passage today, Isaiah prophesies that a new day is coming for the Israelites.  They will be freed from the bondage placed on them by the Assyrians. Isaiah wrote most of this book during the expansion of the Assyrian empire and the decline of Israel.  

Then God intervened and restored the nation of Israel. Because of this restoration, the Israelites were to be filled with joy. Isaiah boldly states, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation,” and “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion!”   

The time of Advent points directly to this well of salvation. Humankind waited patiently and hopefully for the arrival of the Messiah, the true well of salvation.  During his ministry, Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman at the well. 

He said, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” - John 4:10 

I know that well of salvation.  His name is Jesus.  His name is joy! Joy has a distinct characteristic: Once you have experienced it, you want to experience it over and over again!  

 What brings you joy?  Are you substituting joy in your life with counterfeits of pleasure or happiness?  Seek the authentic well of salvation and experience life altering joy that wants to be shared.

 Household challenge:

●        Play the Joy Race Challenge.  Set a timer for 1 minute. 

Have family members go on a scavenger hunt to find something in your home that represents joy to them.  Discuss how the object signifies joy to them personally.  

●        Brainstorm all the ways that water is useful.  How is living water a metaphor that helps us understand Jesus more?  

BETH  STARK