Jazz @ Emmanuel – March 8 – Rejoice!

This month JAZZ @ EMMANUEL features Dr. J’s Ensemble. They will accompany the interpretive readings for an evening of inspiration as we head into Spring. Be there or be square!

We continue with a Season of Characteristics of Love with a focus on Rejoicing! Rejoice is a word we associate — for good reason — with Easter — REJOICE! Although it is still Lent – in Lent we prepare our hearts and lives for the great day of rejoicing that Christ is Risen, Indeed! Halleluhah!

Additionally, Lent is the latin word for lengthening. Surely you too, have noticed the days are getting longer! YAY! and this Sunday is the start of DAYLIGHT SAVINGS. So Spring Forward and come to Jazz and REJOICE in the coming Spring and the coming Resurrection Day!

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17.

Easter gives us a lot to rejoice about, and taking a closer look, we can learn a lot about ourselves as we prepare to join in the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. 

What does it mean to you to rejoice?

Rejoice is a VERB that has many synonyms, yet can remain a bit elusive.

It has a wonderful feeling at its base – such as “happy, gleeful, thrilled, delighted, triumphant,” etc.  It is, unfortunately,  certainly not something we can manufacture or drum up within ourselves as we wish. 

But once we are truly joyful, it is hard to contain, and is multiplied when shared!

Think about it. 
WHEN are the times you rejoice?
A sweet victory after a lot of effort?
An unexpected windfall?
A completed project?
Fun with friends?
Good prognosis concerning illness or an accident?
A loved one’s good news? 
Thankfulness for an answered prayer?
A celebration for a special life event?
Winter being almost over?

Being a verb, rejoicing is about ACTION.
HOW do you rejoice?
Laugh out lout -LOL?
Jump up and down?
Walk on air?
Give high fives?
Give a Toast?
Dance naked in your living room?
Kill the fatted calf?
SHOUT for JOY?
Throw a party?
Celebrate with family or friends?
Sing?

The important thing is that we DO rejoice.  

We can be sure that even if no one else is around, nature itself will rejoice with us!
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Psalm 96:11
The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Psalm 97:1

Nature has its own way of rejoicing. It is easiest to notice when Spring is coming! Already, the signs of Spring are popping out all over. Snow Drops are blooming now to spite the snow. Crocus, Tulips and Daffodils are stretching their spring green arms tenderly up through the soil, to rejoice for the warm Spring sun and rains. The warmer air even smells differently – moist and earthy. When the sun comes out, it is warm and cozy longer into the afternoon. Ahhh! Rejoice!

I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. Psalm 119:162

Remember: Friends divide sorrow and multiply Joy. Bring a Friend and come to Jazz! 

We are ready to REJOICE with you!

Jazz @ Emmanuel

2nd Sunday
September through May
5:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

Next Month: The theme for April is – “Past, Present, Future“

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Philippians 4:4-9

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.  Psalm 105:3