Read
Isaiah 61
Consider
I am sure you are used to online shopping especially during the pandemic when we cannot get out of the house. I am one of them. I used to have a prime membership from an online shopping platform. It did not matter how late I placed the order at night, I would usually receive the delivery the next day. We are in a time of instant gratification. We may have lost or forgotten the joy we have after a long waiting and anticipating period when things we’ve been expecting are fulfilled.
Advent is a season of waiting. May we remember what we are waiting for and ask God to fill us with JOY in waiting for something that has yet to come. As we enter Isaiah 61 this Sunday together, may God speak to us deeply about this unspeakable joy that we have in Him.
Pastor Karen Leung
Pray
O Holy God, open unto us light for our darkness, courage for our fear, hope for our despair.
O God of peace, open to us peace for our turmoil, Joy for our sorrow, strength for our weakness.
O generous God, open our hearts to receive all your gifts.
Amen.
(Iona Abbey Worship Book, Wild Goose Publications, 2001)
Diving Deeper
How have you overcome a time when you have lost joy in life? How does God invite you to continue pursuing deeper in the spiritual journey?
How does God work in you during periods of darkness and difficulties in your life? What was it like while waiting on God?
Are you looking ahead to the future (eternal & everlasting) in order to live your life today?
Spend some time in prayer that God would reveal to you a memory that you have experienced joy in Christ.