Today we begin the week of the candle of joy.
What Is Joy?
Opening gifts on Christmas Day
Joy has sometimes been a difficult concept for me, and from the Biblical stand point of “counting it all joy” when we suffer tribulations, it is probably a difficult concept for most anyone. We find joy to be one of the fruits of the Spirit, which means it grows from the presence of Christ within us; and perhaps that is how we may find joy within hard circumstances, because that is when He has the greatest possibility of creating His character within us.
The Joy of Jesus
Jesus Christ did not have the happiest circumstances in His earthly life, yet it is said of Him that He had an anointing of joy. He gave us a clue as to where that joy came from when He told us to pray that our joy may be full.
Answered prayer gives us proofs that God loves us. He always does love us, and we are supposed to know that by faith, but we have a little child’s joy when we see how wonderfully He often answers our prayers. We also have His nature within us and have joy when we see His Will done on the earth.
The Opportunity of Christmas
Christmas is a time when the opportunities for joy are great, not guaranteed, but pregnant with potential. Sometimes we must labor to see the outcomes that give us joy. I think we, at least I , would have more joy if centered upon how the efforts will produce enjoyment in others.
Let that be the theme for this week: how can we seek the good and the happiness of others around us? Can we take time from busy schedules to pray for others needs every day? Can we decide that we will spread joy by making a conscientious effort to smile: smile at the cashier, smile at the people in the aisles, smile at our spouses, smile at the children, smile at the post office, at work, in the car. Who knows how our joy will build as we seek to be gracious and friendly this week?
Ideas For Joyous Expression
For a devotional:
- sing the carols of joy and expectation,
- pray for others needs specifically, think about how God sent His angels as ministers to tell the tidings of great joy.
- Thank God for giving His angels instructions to watch over you and yours.
- Remember how joyful Heaven is when even one is born again into the Kingdom of God- share the good news with those you meet.
Joy is the best vector of salvation’s message.
