PRAYER TO FIND JOY TODAY

I’ve seen the word “joy” on poinsettia plant bases, in ornaments to hang on trees and decorations to set on shelves.  Somehow I think Christmas industries have clued into the fact that these have been hard times and we need joy. 

Whenever Jesus is invited into a situation, great joy is the result.  There may be difficulties in our circumstances and troubles up ahead that we don’t yet know about, but God is able to fill us with joy as we keep His closeness in mind and let His power and His control of all things settle our hearts and give us strength.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

Jesus, once again, is our model in keeping a joyful perspective in order to navigate challenging times.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Joy is both a gift we can receive from God and a gift we can give back to Him. Let’s pray to be people of joy in this Advent season of 2021. 

Lord, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of You intended for us to have.  You want us to come out of heaviness and sadness and enter into joy.  We want to do that today as You enable us.   

Help us to remember that the good news of Jesus’ birth has the power to bring us great joy this Christmas season. Our joy isn’t dependent on what is going on in our life, in our world, or the people that we are with. It doesn’t depend on the people we get to be with this season or the gifts we give or get. 

Our joy doesn’t come from our jobs, our family, our relationships, our finances, or our success. Our joy doesn’t come from what we have on earth or who we are with.

Our joy is a gift. Our joy comes from You.  It is the gift that you gave us that first Christmas in Jesus Christ.  We receive the gift of joy today.  As the famous Christmas carol reminds us we make room for the joy that Your coming to earth and being with us brings: 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come

Let earth receive her King!

Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven and nature sing

And heaven, and heaven and nature sing

Amen