Finding Joy in a Chaotic World (Matt 2.1-12) - 12-12-21

Scripture texts are Isaiah 55.1-13 and Matthew 2.1-12 from the subject, “Finding Joy in a Chaotic World.”Third Sunday in Advent represents joy. It can be tough to embrace joy when we consider the headlines in the news. It’s enough to make you want to ball up in a corner and cry. But because we have hope in Jesus, because we have faith in the LORD, because we know God loves us, because we know we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, even during difficult, turbulent, uncertain, and chaotic times, we can still find the joy of the LORD.I.Overflowing joy leads to overflowing praise (v10)II.Inexpressible joy moves us to be a blessing (v11)III.Glorious joy prompts us to trust and follow the LORD’s guidance (v12)Hearing the tragedies in the news is enough to make you want to ball up in a corner and cry. Happiness is situational. Joy is a choice. Even if you need to cry for a moment, remember this. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.The LORD sent me to declare today is a holy day. No matter what you see in the news, no matter what your personal situation is, no matter what others are doing, do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength! When we embrace this - the joy of the LORD is our strength - we can find joy in a chaotic world! Amen.