Kingdom Coming Part 9

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Coming,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

We are in a series called Kingdom Coming. Last week, we looked at Isaiah Chapter 9 and talked about peace. This week, we will continue our Advent series by looking at Isaiah Chapter 12 and talking about joy.

The birth and life of Jesus Christ embody the joy of salvation, a joy that is both personal and universal. In Isaiah 12:2-6, we are invited to proclaim the goodness of God, whose salvation fills hearts with unwavering trust and unshakable joy:

Isaiah 12:2–6 (NIV)
2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. 5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. 6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

These words paint a picture of a God who is not distant but present and mighty, offering deliverance that transforms fear into faith and despair into praise. This same joy bursts forth in the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 2:8-14 (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

The angelic message bridges the prophecy of Isaiah with its fulfillment in the manger of Bethlehem. The arrival of Jesus, the promised Savior, is the ultimate manifestation of God’s salvation—a gift that overflows with joy, available to all who will receive it.

The joy of salvation is not merely an emotional response but a deep-seated assurance rooted in God’s unchanging character and redemptive work. Isaiah calls us to respond to this salvation with songs of thanksgiving: “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). Similarly, the heavenly host in Luke 2 erupts in praise, declaring, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). These responses remind us that the joy of salvation leads to worship, as our hearts overflow with gratitude for God’s grace and mercy.

The life of Jesus further demonstrates the depths of this joy. Through His teachings, miracles, and sacrificial death, Jesus invites us into a relationship with God, one marked by peace, purpose, and eternal hope. His resurrection affirms that salvation is not temporary but everlasting, offering a joy that the trials of this world cannot extinguish.

As we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us, like Isaiah and the shepherds, proclaim the goodness of our Savior. Let us sing with joy, for in Jesus, we find salvation, strength, and unending peace. This is the joy of Christmas: the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem and restore, bringing life to all who believe.

This weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, we will discuss all this and more, so be sure to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a pastor at Keys Vineyard Church and also the founder of the Online Bible Institute Network.