Advent #3: JOY
Read: Romans 5:1-3, Luke 2:8-12, Philippians 4:4-7
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/chara-joy/
Pray: For joy to be stored and re-stored in your life.
In whom, or what do you find your pride and joy? What brings laughter to your heart and a feeling of peace and contentment? What brings you joy?
The shepherds were told to not be afraid, because the messenger was bringing news of great Joy. The Savior was born. The wise men were filled with joy as they worshipped the baby King. We have lasting joy because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and in His resurrection. The psalmist said it well, “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven… what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt” (Psalm 32:1-2). We rejoice (re-joy) both now and in the future, knowing we have been made right with God, through the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus is our joy, Jesus is joy!
Joy, as an emotion, can come and go. We frequently feel we have lost our joy, if only for a season. Like all the other attributes of Christ (Fruit of the Spirit), joy can be restored. The best ways to recover joy are to remember where true and lasting joy comes from… our Father. Ask Him to renew your joy. Second, joy comes through serving others. The principle here is taking the focus off self and freely giving to others. Paul wrote, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NLT). He continues encouraging us to be considerate in all we do, equating joy with service.
How are you serving the Lord? How are you serving others? Christmas is the season of giving, and that does bring us joy, but how might you bring the season of giving, of yourself, throughout the whole year?
Dr Mark John Bennett