The Healer's Joy, Advent Week 3

“Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith; who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” Heb.

As we celebrate the Third Week in Advent, we remember that JOY that surrounds the Lord Jesus’ life.  JOY was already in Him when He was in His Mother’s womb. Remember when His Mother met her kinsmen Elizabeth? The sound of Mary’s voice caused the Babe in Elizabeth to leap for JOY. Jesus is the bearer of our JOY! The Angels heralded His Birth with: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a. Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” ~ Luke 2:10-12. The Message today concerns Jesus as our Healer of our Joy. He is the greatest example of JOY for in the greatest sorrow of His life we read:  “Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith; who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.” ~ Heb.12:2-4− Powerful statement here, for Jesus did strive against sin with His Precious Blood. Yet in His sorrow, grief and suffering, He rejoiced!  He is our example of ‘how to have JOY in the midst of our sorrow or disappointment.’ His continues to encourage us with these Words from John 15:11-12

These things have I spoken unto you, that my YOU might remain in you, and that your JOY might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. May the JOY of Jesus Birth fill your heart as you remember He lives in full stature within you!  His awesome & Precious JOY is yours! 
“May our God of all hope full you with all JOY and Peace…!” Loving you, Pastor