Memory Verse:
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the LORD,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18 NKJV
This is our fourth and final week in the White as Snow series. Over the past weeks, we’ve explored powerful truths: from sin and rebellion to the wonder of Immanuel—God with us—to the freedom and redemption found in Christ. God sent His Son to redeem creation, to set us free. What an incredible gift the Father has given!
In a season filled with gift-giving, it’s vital to pause and reflect on the ultimate gift—Jesus. Amid the holiday rush and endless to-do lists, we must remember that freedom, peace, and joy come only through Him. Ephesians 1:6-8 reminds us that God has lavished us with the riches of His grace in Christ. And as we saw last week in 2 Corinthians 1:20, all the promises of God find their yes in Him.
What more can we do than receive this extravagant love? That’s our focus today: Is the joy of being made alive and new through Christ evident in your life? How do we respond to such divine redemption? How do we express gratitude for a God so kind and loving that He moved heaven and earth to restore us to a right relationship with Him?
Thankfully, Scripture gives us clear direction. The Apostle Paul, especially, offers profound insight into what it means to live a life fully committed to Christ. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians holds some of the most beautiful truths, including this declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Something is thrilling about having something new. Whether it’s a treasured gift, a new car, or even something as small as a fresh start, newness brings excitement. But it can also bring frustration when that newness is damaged or broken.
Growing up, I loved collecting Legos—specifically the pirate collection. My family didn’t have a lot of extra money, so when my parents gifted me something special, it held special value to me. I treasured those Lego pirate ships, taking great care of them because they held so much value from my perspective. But I dreaded when friends came over—they wanted to play with them, and more often than not, something got broken.
It’s the same with other new things—a car, for example. You drive it off the lot, and before long, a rock cracks the windshield, or a door ding appears in a parking lot with no note. That sinking feeling when something valuable is damaged is universal.
But just imagine the joy of seeing something restored—whether it’s a toy, a car, or even a broken relationship. When what was damaged is made whole again, it fills us with gratitude and joy. We tell others about it, reliving the moment over and over because it meant so much to us.
Joy in the Lord Doesn’t Lose Its Value
The same is true with our lives. When we feel broken, when the weight of sin or life’s challenges presses us down, Jesus offers restoration. His Spirit can transform our sorrow, doubt, fear, and frustration into a joy rooted in hope, love, and peace.
Jesus’ Joy for Us Renews Our Joy in Him
This morning, I want to highlight this truth: we have the opportunity to experience the joy of the Lord every day. No matter how damaged or broken we may feel, Christ’s redemption makes us new again. And that restoration brings a joy so profound that we can’t help but share it.
Let’s turn to 2 Corinthians 5:5-8, 12-21 and unpack how God’s extravagant love and redeeming work bring true and lasting joy.
Confidently Joyful
2 Corinthians 5:5-8
Joy Isn’t Stolen by Life’s Circumstances; It’s Surrendered By Our Choices
Our Old Habits Rob Us of Our Confidence In Our New Life
Joy is Being Aware of What God is Doing In Us
Compelled to Communicate Joy
2 Corinthians 5:12-16
New is Compelling
The Joy of the Lord Should Not Be A Chore
Joyful Connector
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
The Scars and Flaws in Our Story are Transformed into God’s Glory
“The renewed man acts upon new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company. The believer is created anew; his heart is not merely set right, but a new heart is given him. He is the workmanship of God, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Though the same as a man, he is changed in his character and conduct. These words must and do mean more than an outward reformation. The man who formerly saw no beauty in the Saviour that he should desire him, now loves him above all things.”
Matthew Henry
In Christ, We Move from Outcast to Ambassador
Misfits in the World Become Masterpieces in Christ
This is what the Advent season points us toward: hope, love, peace, and joy. Jesus’ first coming secured our salvation and renewal, and His promised return fills us with joy for eternity. In the Kingdom of Heaven, we will be fully renewed, free from pain, scars, and struggles.
Yet even now, as new creations, we are called to live out this renewal. While it’s difficult at times to see ourselves this way—because of our physical limitations, our past hurts, and the weight of this world—God invites us to embrace a joyful mindset. We can choose to see ourselves not as broken toys but as ambassadors of Christ, sharing His light, love, and redemption with others.
But let’s reason together, what are we doing to share the gift this year? What opportunities are we taking or creating to bring others along with us on the journey? Who are you inviting to come with you on the pilgrimage back to the manger?
As ambassadors of the Kingdom, I would argue that it’s our responsibility to accurately share with others the realities of redemption, reconciliation, salvation, and love.
Reflect & Respond:
Is there a Joyful Confidence in the Lord’s Promises in your life?
Does your daily life Compel Joy or Cynicism?
How can you be a Joyful Connector for the Lord?
God has completely wiped our sins away; He has made us white as snow. He sent His son to be with us, to bring redemption through His life, death, and resurrection.
And now, it’s our turn to bring the gift of Jesus to others.