December 21, 2018
Matthew 2:13-15
Matthew 2:13, “When the magi had departed, an angel from the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will soon search for the child in order to kill him.”
Joy:
• the emotion evoked by well-being
• success
• good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
• the expression or exhibition of such emotion
• a state of happiness or felicity
• a source or cause of delight
• to experience great pleasure or delight
What if I told you that true joy can only come from God. It is true, we can experience limited expressions of joy through our actions and accolades but lasting joy is found in knowing God as Lord and Savior. True joy is a state of security like no other, it’s knowing that God holds you within the palm of His hand. True joy is not the absence of bad things, it’s the strong foundation to withstand bad things. Joy is rising to meet each new day even while surrounded by uncertainty, joy is giving to someone in need, knowing that you have needs as well; trusting in God for deliverance. Joy is a righteous response to an uncertain world and mysterious future. We all have the opportunity to choose joy each new day. My hope and my prayer is that you experience “JOY” during this Christmas season and more importantly that you know Jesus as your personal Savior. He loves you, He created you and you most definitely have a plan and purpose! Let “joy” start with you! I’m letting “joy” start within me. ~Blessings to you~
Bible verses that speak of Joy:
“I have said these things to you so that my joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.” -John 15:11
“Now I’m coming to you and I say these things while I’m in the world so that they can share completely in my joy.” -John 17:13
“and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.” -Hebrews 12:2
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -Romans 15:13
The Joy of Jesus’ Birth:
“The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.” -Luke 2:10
May the joy of CHRISTmas,
ring in your ears
may the hope it brings
rid you of your fears.
For unto this day,
a Child was born
a Savior to the world
one glorious morn.
May the joy of CHRISTmas,
fill you with cheer
may the peace it brings
last all throughout the year.
For unto us this day,
God sent us His Son
loved and begotten
to bring joy to everyone.
May the joy of CHRISTmas,
ring loud and clear
may the love that it brings
draw Jesus to you near!
~~~~~~
“And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold,
I bring you good tidings
of great joy,
which shall be to all people.”
King James Version
Public Domain
Copyright 2017
Deborah Ann Belka
Prayer: Lord Jesus, my heavenly King! May I be your faithful and loving servant! Amen.
~Peace and Blessings~
References:
The C. S. Lewis Bible NRSV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2015:11&version=CEB
HOPE SEEKER 
You must be logged in to post a comment.