“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement.”
Philemon 6-7
The difference between happiness and joy is the difference between a short-term pleasant experience and a long-term positive change in circumstances. And the difference between joy and great joy is the difference between believing things are going to be okay, and knowing they are going to be marvelous! I came to know Jesus in the drunk tank of a county jail, a place I was very happy to leave. But that experience set my life on a new course with Jesus which has brought me great joy.
Because of the Christ child, our suffering is not just made bearable; it is taken away! Our tears are not just dried; we now have a reason to smile and laugh!
Hard times still mark our lives as they did for Jesus and His disciples. But great joy means that it all has purpose and meaning. It will end very well. Enduring life’s challenges may make us strong. But more importantly, it makes us more like Jesus. We may want to be made better for this life, but He intends to make us completely new, perfect, and ready for His eternal kingdom.
Because of the Christ child, our suffering is not just made bearable; it is taken away! Our tears are not just dried; we now have a reason to smile and laugh!
Hard times still mark our lives as they did for Jesus and His disciples. But great joy means that it all has purpose and meaning. It will end very well. Enduring life’s challenges may make us strong. But more importantly, it makes us more like Jesus. We may want to be made better for this life, but He intends to make us completely new, perfect, and ready for His eternal kingdom.
Scripture Focus
Luke 2:8-14
Insight
“While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” (Luke 24:51-52)
Bible In A Year
- Hosea 1-3
- Proverbs 11
- James 1-3
