Have you ever noticed that the Christmas gifts that a child could not live without often are discarded or put aside as the child announces another item he or she would rather have? It is not just children who find momentary happiness in some toy or item. As adults, we often behave the same way. If I only had a new car or a new house, I would be happy. But when the car requires massive maintenance or the house needs a new roof, the momentary happiness we experienced fades and we look for something else to make us happy.
My third Christmas gift in this four-week blog series is not for happiness that is easily destroyed but for JOY that endures through even the most difficult moments of life. In the fourteenth through the sixteenth chapters of the Gospel of John, Jesus shares with His disciples about His approaching death on the cross, what He expects of His disciples, and the great future that is ahead in heaven. He doesn't tell them these things that they might be sad or fearful of what is to come. Instead, He wants them to face these things with the same JOY that He has. It is a JOY based on faith in God that regardless of the situations He will, and we will, endure knowing who is in control and what lies ahead.
"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be
in you, and that your joy may be full."
John 15:11
A little over a year ago, I had my last earthly visit with my sister. She had battled cancer for fourteen years. As we talked about several things, the one overarching thing that she shared was the faith she had in God and the continuing JOY she received from Him even through her lengthy battle with cancer. A few weeks later at her memorial service, her pastor shared many verses of scripture that my sister had selected for her service. Many of them focused on JOY. Most of those attending understood because they had the same JOY in their lives because of a faith relationship with Jesus.
Maybe this Christmas you are struggling with trying to make everyone, including yourself, happy and missing the reality of the JOY that God wants to bring into your life through faith in Him. Here are a few verses from the Bible that would be worth reading and taking to heart.
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you
good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'"
Luke 2:10
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"
Galatians 5:22
"looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before Him endured
the cross, despising the shame."
Hebrews 12:2
"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice."
Philippians 4:4
Each of the verses above emphasize having JOY or rejoicing because of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ regardless of the circumstances or situations you are facing. Counting on the tangible possessions of this world to bring happiness is a decision that will lead to failure. Trusting in God to supply JOY that endures through all circumstances is a decision of faith. So, will we try to make people happy this Christmas or help them find eternal JOY in Jesus Christ? Afterall, He is the Reason for the Season.
May your week be one in which you are aware of the JOY that only God can give.
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