The Gift Of Joy

We often see the word “joy” in Christmas decorations.  I just looked and I’ve got it in both my kitchen and my living room.

Somehow I think Christmas industries have clued into the fact that people long for joy. 

The good news of Advent and ultimately Christmas is that whenever Jesus is invited into a situation, great joy is the result. 

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

So when we invite God’s Spirit to live in us, God is able to fill us with joy.  We keep His closeness in mind and His power and His control of all things settles our hearts and gives us strength.

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

Lord, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of You intended for us to have. 

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 is a gift – a gift given to us by You. We receive the gift of joy today and we pray to live our day as a joyful witness – our gift back to You and to those around us.  Amen

Let’s receive and give the gift of joy numerous times today and throughout this Advent season.