Joy…. It is more than a fleeting momentary feeling of elation. It is a deeper sense of satisfaction that all is well and fulfilled, even when it is not at the moment. One has joy because God is still the initiator of history. God is still the architect of the future. We have joy knowing God will bring to completion all that God chooses to do; even if our current world is chaotic and confused. Like the shepherds who rejoiced to witness the birth of the Messiah, even though they still had to watch sheep and sleep out in the cold. How do you find joy?
PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, into my world today. May I discover and celebrate the birth of your presence and power in the middle of my daily routine and responsibilities. Help me to see the star and hear the angels in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday – Psalm 30
Did the shepherds know this Psalm? Perhaps. It may have been written by a shepherd. Yes, we face heartache and hardship. Yes, troubles and tragedies may confront us. But there is always joy to come! Christmas is a sign of that joy in our real world and our real time. How will you find joy this Christmas?
Tuesday – Psalm 126
Though the city was destroyed; God brought the people back to rebuild the city and the temple. Though they had gone through tough disastrous times; God restored their fortunes. Read verse 5. Even though history takes a strange turn, God brings joy once again. How can Christmas joy be born in your world again?
Wednesday – Isaiah 61
Many scholars believe that Isaiah may have been in exile by this time. Yet, the passage is not filled with judgement and sorrow. The tone is one of hope and joy. Why? Because the story is not over. Interesting that Jesus chose this passage for his first sermon (Luke 4:16-30). It was not well received. Joy in the midst of sorrow because God is not finished with the mission yet. How does God bring you joy as you celebrate Christmas this year?
Thursday – Acts 8:1-8
The early church experienced joy, too. Philip and others are preaching the gospel in Samaria. This is the place no one wanted to go. This is the place where they were not welcome … but they brought hope to the city as they shared the good news about Jesus. The news of Jesus set people free. How does the news of Christmas set you free?
Friday – 1 John 1:1-10
Traditionally, we have viewed these letters as written by the young disciple John who is now near the end of his life. He wants to assure his young readers that what he has seen and touched is real. And because it is real in a real world at a real point in history, it is the source of great joy. God has revealed the truth of grace in Jesus. How does Christmas bring the truth of grace to you?
Saturday – Romans 14:13-23
It was a controversial topic. New Christians were eating meat that was at one time offered to pagan idols as sacrifice. Apparently, it was a great price. But others were offended to have anything to do with pagan rituals and rites. Paul’s point is the Kingdom of God has little to do with human rituals and rites. Being a disciple of Jesus is a life of peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. How does the birth of Jesus in Christmas free you from human rituals and rites to experience true joy?