I attended a wonderful Christmas concert recently. The words of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus took on new meaning for me. The angels spoke of good news of great joy for all people. Jesus came to bring us joy. Yet, it’s a quality of often lacking among many Christians.
Lately I’ve been visiting with a lot of believers. I’ve been disappointed that so many are bitter, a little angry, fearful and despairing. This should not be!
During advent we highlight Love, Hope, Joy, Peace. As we experience God’s Love demonstrated through Jesus, we have Hope since Jesus is the giver of abundant life and eternal life. As we hope in Him, we have Peace: Peace with God and the Peace of God.
Peace is the inward quality of a person who trusts God. Joy is the outward manifestation of our relationship with God. Of all people, Christians have the least reason to be bitter, angry, fearful and despairing. And we have every reason to be filled with Love, Hope Joy, and Peace.
My life verse is Psalm 16:11: “You have shown me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of Joy. At your right hand are pleasures forever.”
Jesus invited us: “Ask and you will receive, that your Joy might be full.”
Paul said: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” And then for emphasis, he added: “I say it again: Rejoice.”
And Christians in the 1st century had it much worse than most of us today.
So, this Christmas, spread the tidings of great joy which is for all people. Spread “Joy to the world—the Lord has come!”
As a follower of Jesus, let this season be a time when you radiate Joy to a hurting, hate-filled, fearful, despairing world. And take that spirit through the year. What a contrast to the rest of the world if followers of Jesus were to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit: JOY.
May you experience the love, joy, hope and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ as you celebrate His birth.
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