JOY (Fourth of Advent) - Shout, Sing, Leap
This year, during Advent Season we are going to be focusing on JOY.
Over the last three weeks we have learned about:
(click HERE to view)
And today the title is: "Shout, Sing, Leap."
Forgiveness & eternal life for EVERYONE through Jesus Christ is certainly reason to SHOUT, SING & LEAP for Joy!!!
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.
Shout - a sudden outcry expressing joy, exultation, animated courage.
Sing - to relate or celebrate something in verse.
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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 couldn't believe how many times throughout the entire Bible that theses three ways of expressing JOY were referenced:
Shout
Sing
Leap
My favorite verses are those talking about even nature singing and shouting for joy. Look at the passage above (Psalm 65):
- "the little hills rejoice on every side"
- "they shout for joy"
- "they also sing"
When we are weak or going through difficult times, try focusing on the joy that we have through Jesus Christ's sacrifice.......then that joy will give you strength to continue on through hard times.
"...for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10
The most amazing "leap for joy" occurred when Mary visited Elizabeth. Both were pregnant at the time (Elizabeth was just about to give birth to John the Baptist and Mary was just newly pregnant with Jesus). In Luke 1:44 Elizabeth felt John the Baptist leap for joy in her womb when she heard Mary's voice!!
I am ending this post with three amazing verses (see 2 pictures above) showing how God's creation rejoices in Him:
- hills burst into song
- trees clap their hands
- forest sings for joy
- rivers clap their hands
- mountains sing together for joy
Let's shout, sing & leap for joy this Christmas season because our Savior Jesus Christ came to free EVERYONE.
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You might be interested in viewing this video:
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