The Outpouring Of Joy (Advent) Series

The joy which I speak of this morning is available to you freely. It is a part of receiving the gift of grace which is offered unreservedly from the throne of the Living God.

Conclusion

Some years ago, the managers of a Young Men’s Christian Association missed a great opportunity by not knowing the value of a certain painting. A friend of the institution had given a picture for the walls of the building, not having suitable room for it in his own home.

One day he offered to sell it to them, asking fifty dollars for it. When they declined the offer he said they might have it for twenty-five dollars; but they still declined to purchase it.

Not long afterwards he died. In disposing of the estate his executors took the picture from the building and sent it to an auction house. There it was soon recognized as the work of a master and finally identified.

Thirty-five thousand dollars was offered for it, and later fifteen thousand. Fifty thousand for a picture once offered for twenty-five dollars!

How often do we underestimate the value of lasting Christian joy – routinely trading it for the passing happiness of worldly things? Happiness passes when the emotion leaves but joy is as lasting as the presence of God in our hearts!

Happiness is good, but joy is better! Happiness is a result of fun and excitement. Joy is the byproduct of the King of the universe dwelling inside of you.

This Christmas season, let us open our hearts completely to God, and in so doing, we will reaffirm what it means to know Him.

As we do that – as we open ourselves completely to Him – we will open ourselves up to receive the deep and abiding joy that is found only in knowing God.

Nothing is required to receive this gift of joy. It costs nothing – though there is little in this life of equal value. All you must do is open your heart to the presence of God. Give Him an invitation to come inside and take up residence within you.

“Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (NKJV)

Today, let us not be like the widow in the story I shared with you at the beginning of this message who did not open the door for fear that the one who came would demand the rent of her.

Let us rush to the door of our hearts and open them up to the one who freely offers to us eternal, abiding, deep, lasting joy which begins the moment we let Him in.

Let us pray.