Hebrews 12:18-29
Verse 22 But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly,
The Christmas hymn, What Child is This has the phrase, “Haste, haste to bring Him laud” and that sums up what our joy should be like. We should be so in awe of Him and His coming to earth as a tiny babe that we can’t help but rejoice in Him. The passage in our reading today was following a reminder of how the people of Israel had reacted to God’s coming to meet with Moses on the mountain in the wilderness. They had been commanded not to go near the mountain or they would die and so there was an element of fear involved. But as we come to God to worship Him in joy and prepare to worship Him in heaven for eternity, we need to see why they had fear and we can have joy.
In the wilderness God was giving the instructions for worship that included making sacrifices. Their only hope of being in good standing with God was obeying the letter of the law in every aspect. At the time of Jesus’ death, the great curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom. It opened the presence of God to all of His people. Instead of relying on priests and Levites to assist them in their relationship with God, He opened up a way that is more personal.
Our joy in Christmas and for the future is connected to the fact that Jesus made it possible to have an open relationship with the Father. Because we can have this kind of relationship with the Lord we have a joy for the future. We know there will be an eternity to enjoy the joy we have in the Lord. We have eternity to praise Him, giving Him all glory and honor.
Just because we have all eternity to enjoy His joy and worship Him in that joy, doesn’t mean we should wait until then to exude joy. We should do as the song says and hasten to bring Him laud. When we are praising Him we will feel the joy only He can bring. And it is that joy that will allow the Lord to shine through us.
Making It Personal
What about the future brings you joy? Do you expect to find joy in heaven? How can you spread that joy with those around you?
Making It Personal Kids
What about the future gives you joyful thoughts? What do you think heaven will be like? How could you help others know about the joy of heaven?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us the joy of Your presence and the knowledge that we will have joy for eternity with You. Help us show others where our joy comes from. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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