Joy to the World
Joy to the World
“Joy to the world - the Lord has come!”We will sing that over and over again the next two weeks.Joy, unspeakable joy – can be experienced because our Savior was born.Our hope for salvation came and died for us so that we might have eternal life.In Luke 2:10 the angel spoke to the shepherds and said, “behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people.For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”Christmas is a time of joy!It is a time to experience great joy.It is a time to sing, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.”Are you full of joy this season?Or are you experiencing every emotion known to man – except for joy?
Joy comes and goes for us.It may feel like it goes more than it comes.But joy is not a feeling of happiness and satisfaction.No, joy is so much more.The joy that the Bible talks about – and it talks about it a lot – over 200 scriptures in the Bible about joy – is our rejoicingin our salvation and all that God has done for us despite our current circumstances.So, you see no matter what your life looks like during the Christmas season – you can experience joy – true joy – joy unspeakable.You can boldly proclaim, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”
This joy is a gift.As believers, God has given us the greatest gift ever given (http://wp.me/p3GHip-dY) in His Son, Jesus Christ.Oh, how I hope you have opened that gift, accepted it, accepted Him as your Savior and now living your life for the One who gave His life for you.Once you have done that – you will find that there are more gifts under the tree for you.Joy is the big box with beautiful wrapping and a great big bow.Joy, unspeakable joy, joy others do not understand – is yours. It is not only offered to you – we are to experience this joy if we wish to walk in obedience to Him and His Word.Philippians 3:1 – Rejoice in the Lord.I Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice always.Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!
Always is a long time.Always is a lot. So as Christians, our joy is based on our relationship with Jesus.As our relationship with Jesus grows – so will our capacity for joy.Joy is a fruit of the spirit. (Galatians 5:22)We are to be joyful even during challenging times, difficult times and heartbreaking times.That does not mean that you are laughing instead of crying.No, that means that no matter what we go through, we can rejoice and find joy in the Lord – because He is with us, He will never forsake us, and He promises to use that time to change us and grow us closer to Him if we will trust in Him.James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
So, this Christmas, let’s all proclaim, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”Instead of focusing on our stress this season brings; instead of dwelling on our losses; instead of giving into the despair Satan reminds us of; let’s each one choose to focus, dwell and give into the joy that God has offered each of us.We have joy because of our salvation.We have joy because of who Jesus is and all He has done for us.We experience joy because we are not alone.He is Immanuel – God with us! We have joy because He will never leave us, nor forsake us.We have joy because His promises will be fulfilled.We have joy because He wants us; He has prepared a place for us; He will return for us.Joy, Joy, Joy to the world!Joy, Joy, Joy the Lord has come.Joy, Joy, Joy is mine!Joy that passes all understanding.Joy that is unspeakable.Joy that comes from a grateful heart.Joy that blows- our- mind!Joy that feeds our spirit.Joy that cannot compare.Joy that never ends.JOY!JOY!JOY!Sing it with me, “Joy to the world – the Lord has come!”
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