Joy is something everyone feels at various times in our lives. We rejoice. Typically that feeling is attached to occasions of celebration, of happiness, or when we receive good news. Good times – the birth of a child, a wedding, or when we achieve success or overcome an obstacle – can be times of joy and happiness. Joy and happiness aren’t exactly the same, however. There is significant overlap between the two. But happiness is more on the surface, whereas joy is more deeply rooted. We can have joy even in difficult times. Joy for a believer comes from knowing that no matter what happens, we have a relationship with God through Jesus.
The message series for the Easter season is Easter Joy. As we look at what the Gospels tell us about Jesus appearing to His disciples on the day of His resurrection and in the days that followed we see patterns of rejoicing. The resurrection changed everything for followers of Jesus. And through them, by the power of the Holy Spirit, that fact changed the world. They rejoiced when they recognized Jesus was alive again! They felt joy and hope from the empty tomb and their encounters with the risen Christ. When Jesus appeared to them, they were renewed and restored and they could step forward in faith for the rest of their lives.
Let’s rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus. It changes everything.