KNOWING YOUR BIBLE
December 12, 2021: Dear Friends, Today is the third Sunday in Advent. The word that is associated with this special Sunday is the word “Joy”. Today is a day for rejoicing over the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, on Christmas Day. As we continue to meditate during this most important time of Advent, let us take time to absorb the joy that is created in our hearts and souls as we worship and praise Jesus.
According to historical records, some of which are recorded in the Bible, Jesus was born approximately 6 BCE, two years before King Herod, the Great, died. The exact date King Herod died is not known. However most biblical historians think that Herod died in 4 BCE. In Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-23 is the recording of when King Herod, upon learning of Jesus’ birth, that Jesus was the Messiah and that Jesus’ birth had been prophesied, sought to have Jesus killed. He brought terror to the area in and near Bethlehem to have all the children that were around two years old and younger killed. This was to prevent Jesus from living to “shepherd the people Israel” and “to be the King of Israel”. If King Herod died in 4 BCE, Jesus would have had to be at least 2 years old to have been targeted by King Herod to be killed with all other two year old’s and under in the area.
Most are familiar with the word “Happy” or “Happiness.” Happiness has been defined in Webster’s dictionary with many descriptions including being joyous, ecstatic,merry, and delighted. The word “Joy” has been described in Webster’s with the same words described when defining happiness. Both joy and happiness can be understood as being a state of mind, usually occurring after an unexpected positive event or happening, that has greatly influenced the thinking and the mind of the one who is experiencing joy and happiness. The feeling of joy and happiness may last a few seconds, or up to several hours or days. However long the feeling is present, the feeling is one of pleasure, contentment and satisfaction. A pleasant, merry feeling of joy at a particular time.
Jesus, in his words to his disciples and followers use the word “Joy” in his teachings. In Matthew, chapter 25, verse 23, while teaching a parable, Jesus said, “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master;’” and in John, chapter 15. verses 9-11, “ As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father;s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.”
We will experience the joy of the our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we strive to get to know him through our Christian lives. We will learn about Jesus and foster a relationship with him by reading about his life in the Gospel Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, in the New Testament of the Bible.The more one reads and studies about the life of Jesus, the nearer and closer one draws near to him. In addition, attending worship through church and group study services, adds to our knowledge and understanding of Jesus, who he is, what he stands for, and how he wants us to live and think. Remember, the joy of our Lord is complete through our love of him and his love for us. Our joy for him is brought forth in us through love and through obedience of his commandments and teachings. May the joy of the Lord in this advent season be with you.
GOD BLESS YOUR BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK! BIBLE VERSES: All Bible verses are from the New Revised Standard (NRS) Version of the Bible. Matthew, chapter 22, verses 34-40; John, chapter 13, verse 1; John, chapter 15, verses 12-17; Matthew, chapter 4, verses 23-25; Matthew, chapter 11, verses 28-30. Matthew, chapter 25, verses 34-40; John, chapter 14,verses 27-28; and John 16, verses 32-33.