Songs of Joy

(Psalm 126, Luke 1:26-45—Preacher: Ps Paw Liang)

Psalm 126 is one of the Psalm of Ascent. The song reflects the joy of the captives b3eing brought back to Zion—to the House of the Lord. The joy of those who have been set free. Such a song may arise from our soul when we let Jesus set us free from sin. Joy sometimes may come in the form of laughter. But joy is more than laughter. Not all laughter will bring joy.

What kind of joy? The JOY of the Lord is something we RECEIVE, not we take, capture, or catch. For the Ancient Israel—Their freedom is a gift from God. The Lord is in control! We can only have this joy when we open our heart to welcome Him into our life--The presence of Christ brings us the joy of the Lord!

“For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy,” said Elizabeth. The baby John leaped with joy. This joy is divine and we can’t make or clone it. The Joy of Christ is not just a good feeling or merely feeling positive or optimistic. It is not a man-made feeling. It is more than happiness. The Joy of Christ Joy is a serenity deep inside our soul that will not be disturbed by any life storms and challenges.  Joy is the assurance that God is in control of every detail of my life. Joy is the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright. No matter what happen, we trust God is in control and He is able. Joy is the determined choice͟ to praise God is all situation.

How to receive Joy? The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God (v30). And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (v38). Let’s learn from Mary: First, Mary is willing to give up her own will in order to follow God’s will; including to jeopardize her marriage. Second, Mary is humble. She knows who God is and who she is: Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. She knows God has the best interest of her. She may not fully understand what Gabriel has told her, but she trusts God and to put her life completely in God’s hands.  How about us? Being Christians or church members will not bring us joy.

How about us?  Being Christians or church members will not bring us joy. Only the presence of Christ will give us this divine joy.  Check your soul! Is the joy of Christ there? A joyful soul is a praising soul. Mary sings, ͞My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. The fullness of Christ in us will compel us to break into joy, like Mary. Praises will come out naturally!

This Christmas, may we be open, be humble to receive His Joy. And may the Song of Joy continues to ring in our life, praising God, magnifying His Name! (PLT)