Advent Countdown ~Chara

Take a few minutes to watch the following video from The Bible Project over the word Chara

Now that you have a different understanding of the word Joy or Chara, read the following passages of scripture:

So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.

Psalm 105:43

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 51:11

And the angel said to them,

“Fear not, for behold,

I bring you good news

of great joy

that will be for all

the people.

Luke 2:10

In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,

that you have hidden these things from the wise

and understanding and revealed them

to little children;

yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Luke 10:21

Rejoice and be glad,

for your reward is great in heaven,

for so they persecuted the

prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:12

Convinced of this,

I know that I will remain

and continue with you all,

for your progress and joy in the faith

Philippians 1:25

Finally, my brothers,

rejoice in the Lord.

To write the same things

to you is no trouble

to me and is safe for you.

Philippians 3:1

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;

as poor, yet making many rich;

as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

2 Corinthians 6:10

How does this new understanding of the word joy change the way you view these passages of scripture?

Christian joy is not joy that is based off from our circumstances or our own ability to rise above. Christian joy is a profound decision of faith and hope in the power of Jesus' own life and love.

How would your current mood change from sorrow, despair, fear, frustration... into Chara or true eternal joy if you choose to see the power of Jesus' love as more influential in your life then the circumstance itself?