The First Noel: Advent 3

Isaiah 35: 10 “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Have you ever received, “Good news of great joy”? What was your reaction? Did you run to tell someone, did you do a happy dance, did you have a celebration? Ultimately, the Christmas story is about joy. Those who had first-hand experience in the First Noel like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds may have been anxious and afraid at first, but in the end with the birth of Jesus, they were filled with joy. Joy is that overwhelming sense that everything will be okay. Joy is believing that what is wrong will be made right. Joy is celebrating that hope and peace and love will triumph over everything else. In this Christmas season, may we too be filled with great joy!