"We should, to begin with, think that God leads a very interesting life, and that he is full of joy. Undoubtedly he is the most joyous being in the universe. The abundance of his love and generosity is inseparable from his infinite joy. All of the good and beautiful things from which we occasionally drink tiny droplets of soul-exhilarating joy, God continuously experiences in all their breadth and depth and richness."  Dallas Willard

 

Joy is a funny thing. It is a most empowering emotion. One that has some of the greatest impact on our Faith. And on the flip side, without Faith can we have real joy?

 

As I read over 224 verses that contain the word joy, I noticed most were cries of emotion expressed towards God; "shout for joy", "sing for joy", etc. but when Jesus came to us as a man, He spoke to us directly about joy. He said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

 

Joy is different from happiness. Happiness is dependent on our circumstances. When darkness, trials, and tribulations come, our spirits tend to dampen. But joy is very different. Joy doesn't rely on our circumstances but relies on our dependence on Christ. We can choose to be joyful in all our circumstances because of God's most precious gift.

 

We rejoice in the Christmas season that God sent us His only Son, Jesus Christ. The angel said to the shepherds, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. That joy was Christ and through the Spirit, He lives within us. But the greatest focus of our rejoicing is the Lord Himself. When we consider His unconditional love, unfailing faithfulness, and compassionate understanding, how can we do anything but praise Him with great joy?

 

Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let your heart receive her King!

 

CHOOSE JOY!

 

Joy to you and yours during the joyous Christmas Season, 

Bob & Jeanne Arnold