Young People's Group

REJOICING GREATLY IN THE LORD

by Pastor Mitch
December 23, 2007

Learning To Rejoice At Christmas

One aspect of the joy of Christmas is rejoicing in the knowledge of the Lord’s presence with us. It is about finding great gladness in the profound ramifications of His presence and His work on earth. If one were to read through the book of Isaiah, one could not help but notice that there are many responses of joy with reference to the Lord. In the midst of prophecies of God’s judgment on the people of Israel and the world, the challenge was for the remnant to rejoice in Him, in what He is to them, in what He has done and in what He will do for them in the future.

1. Rejoicing That The Lord Is Doing A New Work In Our Midst

“Behold, I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth; 
You shall thresh the mountains and beat them small…
You shall rejoice in the Lord, 
And glory in the Holy One of Israel.” 
Isaiah 41:15, 16

The Lord will help us change into something new and powerful. He will make us into a “new threshing sledge with sharp teeth”. A threshing sledge is used to crush the sheaves of wheat so that the grain could be separated from the chaff. The Lord can make us into far greater people than we dream possible. We can find the strength to overcome great obstacles and challenges in life. We can surely rejoice in the Lord for this.

2. Singing A New Song To God For The Lord Jesus And His Perfect Work

“Sing to the Lord a new song, 
And His praise from the ends of the earth”
Isaiah 42:10

Another great reason to sing about is the Lord Jesus and His work on earth. Christmas is more than just about the birth of the Lord Jesus. It is about how the Lord Jesus will be the ultimate Servant of God and the things He will bring about on this earth. He will be the Spirit filled Servant that will graciously and lovingly minister to many. He will bring light to the Gentiles and open their eyes to the truth. The Lord will give salvation to the Gentiles. Truly, this is something, we as Gentiles, should rejoice and sing about again and again with new meaning.

3. Learning To Greatly Rejoice In Our Relationship With God

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, 
My soul shall be joyful in my God” 
Isaiah 61:10

We will be especially redeemed one day. We will be considered “a bride” to the Lord. We can greatly rejoice in this wonderful relationship that the Lord has for His people. He will cover them with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). There will be full restoration for all. Let’s greatly rejoice in our wonderful relationship with the Lord. Let’s sing with greater joy to the Lord this Christmas.

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