Joplin Community of Christ

Third Sunday of Advent (Joy)

http://jcoc.no-ip.org/media/JoplinCOC-12-12-2010.mp3

Announcments and News

Scriptures
Isaiah 35:1–10; Psalm 146:5–10; James 5:7–10; Matthew 11:2–11; Helaman 4:22; Doctrine and Covenants 162:7a

Exploring the Scriptures
Israel has little reason to rejoice. In Isaiah, chapter 34, there is destruction, despair, and hopelessness at being forced into exile by the Babylonians. It is a desert experience that includes suffering and desolation. In chapter 35 the tone changes to a message of transformation and rejoicing.

In today’s scripture the prophet urges, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God…. He will come and save you” (v. 4). God is coming, and when that happens, the wilderness will be transformed into a lush paradise and the sick will be healed. Specifically, the eyes of the blind are opened; the ears of the deaf, unstopped; the lame will leap; and the speechless will sing for joy. God’s earth and God’s people will be transformed and will rejoice.

In response, God’s people will traverse a highway (the Holy Way) and return home, singing and rejoicing on their way. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (v. 10).

The prophet offers a poem of joy and gladness as an alternative to the despair of captivity. In a sense, this text is visioning a future where God’s creation (including humanity) is made new and restored.

As an Advent text, Isaiah 35 provides a glimpse into the possibilities of God coming to earth and what the results might be. Getting ready for the event of God’s coming to earth is one of the major Advent themes. On this third Sunday of Advent, Christians prepare with singing and joy for what seems impossible: God is coming among us. With the people of Israel we too can march and dance and sing in gladness as we “rejoice!” at God’s coming to earth.

Central Ideas

1. Amid fear and desolation, God offers hope and joy, a transformation of the earth and humanity.
2. In Advent we actively wait for the transformation that will take place when God comes into people’s lives.
3. When we recognize that God is with us (Emmanuel), we rejoice!

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