Pastor's Message

Dear friends,

During the Christmas season we often hear about “joy.” It’s called a season of joy. We hear about angels singing with joy. We find shepherds joyously telling others about the baby Jesus. And, we learn that the wise men came celebrating the discovery of the child. They rejoiced with “exceedingly great joy.” It’s certainly a constant theme!

So, Psalm 100 might be the perfect psalm to follow the season of joy. It begins, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord all ye lands! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with shouts of joy! Know this: the Lord, he is God!” There is plenty in this text that instructs us in our daily life. But, again the overpowering theme is joy. This is an expression of faith and of being lost in the total worship and praise of the Lord. It is surrendering with joy.

Think of those situations in history where surrender occurs. At the end of a battle or war, the one who surrenders faces defeat. Acknowledging the harm inflicted, they might negotiate for terms. But joy isn’t a characteristic associated with the one who surrenders.

But, there it is in Psalm 100! “Know this: the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with praise.” Worship the Lord. Surrender to him with joy—exceedingly great joy. Joy. It’s not limited to only one season of the year. See you in church.

Hallelujah,

Mark A. Stewart