JOY

During Christmas time every year, we hear about joy from all around the world (Santa, snow, gifts… you get the picture). As Christians, we know that the source of our joy this time of year should stem from the birth of Jesus Christ. We celebrate every year that Jesus came down to the earth to be the only way for salvation. One thing we commonly hear is that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Yes, absolutely! This should bring us incredible joy! Jesus came for us! The message that the angel brought Mary was one of joy. The message Elizabeth received was one of joy. The message that the shepherds received from the angels was one of joy. 
 
How does the incredible news of Jesus’ coming among us bring us life-changing joy in our hearts and lives?
 
Psalms 107 instructs us to Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim that he has redeemed them from the power of the foe. 
 
One practical way we can give praise to the Lord because of great joy is by externally acknowledging the work of God that we see in our lives. We see written in Luke 1 Mary’s response to all the joy and realization that God chose her to be part of His plan to bring Jesus into the world.
 
“And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble condition of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and his name is holy. His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him. He has done a mighty deed with his arm; he has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; he has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he spoke to our ancestors.”
 
How does this message of joy displayed at Jesus’ first coming make a genuine difference in my personal devotion to God and my commitment to willingly and sacrificially serve others?

- Nathan Maduta