IIsaiah 11:10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious.
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Isaiah 45:23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.
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From Mary: Luke 1:54 “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.”
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From the priest Zechariah: Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. 69 He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David  70 (as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), 71 salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us – 72 to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath he swore to our father Abraham: 74 to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear 75 in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. 76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
 
WORDS from Isaiah, Mary and the priest Zechariah, who is John the Baptist’s father, point to God fulfilling his covenant with Abraham: Genesis 12:2 “I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples will be blessed through you.”
   The prophecies and praises are true. Out of Abraham’s loin has come first the prophets to prophesy the coming Messiah. The Father used Mary to bear the Son. Then John came to literally point to and baptize the Son of God. From the Son’s ministry and through his resurrection the Spirit has ignited the church of Jesus Christ throughout the entire earth. Yes, there remain some people groups who have yet to know of Jesus. But the gospel is expanding day-by-day to unreached people. One day God’s Banner will be everywhere to declare salvation in Jesus’ name has come to the nations.
   Paul confirms God’s ultimate purpose in Romans 14:11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” God’s redemptive Savior will reign throughout the entire earth.
   This is Christmas joy. This is life’s joy. There is no reason to be dismayed or doubtful. There is only a sure hope in the Christian’s life because we know Jesus’ name is above all names throughout the world. Try as they might persecutors can never, will never silence God.
  
Prayer: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1) Amen. 
 

Isaiah 11:3b-5 He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.
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Luke 1:52-53 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
 
ALL through the world corrupt governments impoverish their people. Specific persecutions against Christians destroy families, homes and businesses. Injustice displays its imprisoning power as the world’s way says, “Might makes right.”
   But praise God. When the Christ returns, righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness his sash. He will embody justice and power. Scripture declares with Isaiah’s and Mary’s words Jesus will come one day to judge. All believers will rejoice and worship the Righteous One as he establishes his eternal throne on his pure Word.
   Praise the Savior! The wicked – the unbelieving – will be judged to their just penalty of eternal condemnation. In turn, Jesus will judge the righteous into eternal life. His decisions are true to his Word. God’s righteous judgments will rule the redeemed earth.
   The beatitudes in Matthew 5 is one way Jesus preached his righteous truth. Yes, it is true: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:5-6) All praise and honor will be unto the Lord because has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things. The Bread of Life has come.
   Is it any wonder God’s salvation is called good news? How truly good our life is at all times, even amid our daily struggles, when we know God’s good righteousness saves us to himself.  
 
Prayer: Guide my heart more deeply to your righteousness, Lord. Teach me humility, mercy and love toward others. Amen.  

Isaiah 11:1-3a A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord – 3a and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
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Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 
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Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert.
 
WITH two sentences – three verses - Isaiah records God’s eternal plan for your salvation. Just as briefly, Luke summarizes God’s means to declare the gospel. The Branch, who is Jesus, will come from Jesse’s family. From Jesse’s son David and through the generations ascending to Joseph and Mary as (summarized in Matthew 1 and Luke 3),  to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, Isaiah’s prophecy comes true.
   Isaiah also described the Branch’s character. He will have wisdom, understanding, power, knowledge and fear (honor, awe, reverence, worship) of the Lord, and these traits will delight the LORD God.
   Luke then describes the fulfilled prophecy. The Spirit empowered Jesus’ birth. Luke 1:35 “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”  Jesus then grew to became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. When it was time to minister the gospel, the Spirit rested on Jesus to baptize and anoint him with God’s power, so he could advance God’s will on earth. Isaiah and Luke record how the Holy Trinity worked from eternity past to reveal God’s knowledge and understanding to the Jews first and then to us. This is God’s way, and this is to be the way of Jesus’ church. God gave us his Word, the Holy Bible, so we can grow in wisdom, understanding, power, knowledge and fear in our relationship with God. In this, we bear the image of God with the display of God’s character that he graciously empowers us know and to be.
   The way of knowledge is through the Spirit. In the same way Jesus needed the Spirit’s power to rest on him, we also need the Spirit to rest on our heart to empower our lives. The Christian life is one of communion with God and with his church. Jesus intimately connected with the Spirt and the Father to grow in stature and wisdom. We must do the same. Seek a personal fellowship with God and with other Christians. In God’s power and others’ strength, you will grow in spiritual wisdom and power.
   Are you a Christian? You are then the fruit of God’s eternal plan of salvation. Your purpose is to know God. How will you respond to your glorious life?
 
Prayer: Holy Trinity, you have given us the way of knowledge. Empower us, Spirit, to know God, to gain understanding and to delight in the fear of the Lord. Amen. 

Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 
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Luke 1:32-36 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God.”
 
DO you live with a purposeful plan to accomplish tasks daily? Do you want those you live and work with to share your zeal? Are you sometimes even so eager to get things done you interrupt, even intrude into others’ lives to say, “Let’s go!” If you answered, “Yes.” to these questions, you mirror the Lord God’s passion to accomplish his purpose – his will – on earth.
   These verses abundantly reveal God’s will. Five times, “will” is written to declare God is zealous for his purpose to be done on earth. Isaiah proclaims God’s rule will increase, and there will be no end to his peace. He continues, “He will reign on David’s throne with justice and righteousness You can be sure of this because the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this..” He will reign forever. This is the King of kings establishing his eternal throne on earth.
    Gabriel then speaks the Lord’s zealous will to Mary. He tells her the One to be born will be great. He will be called the Son of the Most High. Gabriel continues: The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. Further his kingdom will never end. Again, five times the word “will” displays God’s unstoppable plan to accomplish his purpose, his desire on the earth.
   There’s more. Mary asked, “How will this be?” Perhaps she was zealous to know the details. After all, Gabriel has just intruded into Mary’s simple life with God’s determined will for the world and for her life. Then Gabriel answers, “The Holy Spirit will come…The power of the Most High will overshadow you. The holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Three more times the angel details what will be. No one is changing God’s mind. This will happen.
   Still Gabriel further reveals God’s zealous plan: “Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age.” Then Gabriel summarizes God’s passion with, “nothing is impossible with God.” Both a virgin and an aged woman are very surprised God has chosen them to bear sons who will accomplish the LORD God’s passionate will to save the world.
   The Bible reveals God’s will is to appoint zealous prophets, humble mothers, teachable disciples, effective evangelists, powerful preachers and gifted writers. God interrupted many, many lives to say, “You will do my will on earth.” Each became zealous for the LORD, many unto death.
   In what way do you express God’s zeal for a broken world? When God commands, we must join with Mary to declare, “May it be to me as the Lord said.” Know God’s will is to be done in and through our lives.
 
Prayer: May it be as you say, Lord. I pray I am zealous for your kingdom to come, your will to be done on earth. Amen. 

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
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Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
 
ARE you in awe and wonder to know that “to us a child is born, a son is given”? With overflowing joy do you consider, “a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” After all, this is the gospel. It is the very, very joyful news about eternal life come personally to us, isn’t it? Praise God he has promised and delivered, free of any cost to us a Savior, who is Messiah, Son of God. Rejoice the Mighty God has delivered to you his Prince of Peace. Know the Everlasting Father defines your life as his own child, born of the Spirit. Savor the Wonderful Counselor transforms your mind to his truth and wisdom. Yes, to us is born a Savior – and he is Christ – Resurrection, Redeemer, Reconciler – of the world. He makes you free from sin, so he can welcome you into heaven.  
   Yes, are you awestruck as you gaze upon God? Or do life’s limitations hinder your view of God’s wondrous gift? Often on display in the church – individuals and corporate body – is a resigned, “That’s the way it is.” attitude. We seem to accept a minimal faith that wonders, “How can God help us here?” Does it matter that in the world today that unto us the Mighty God has come? God’s hopeful, joyful Word seems out of touch when we contrast it with daily life in a broken world. Very real afflictions easily rank above God’s seemingly elusive long-ago promises. Our minds seek not the Wonderful Counselor, who points to Peace. Worry, instead, manages our thoughts. Our personal salvation becomes a distant possibility while we observe the world’s active reality. We miss life’s joy because we neglect the Everlasting Father’s grand love sent the Savior to be born to us.
   If that’s your heart, then stop to look upward. Be in awe God so loved the world, he gave Jesus to you. Foremost in your mind you know God has fulfilled his promise, first to the Jews in Bethlehem and Galilee and then to us Gentiles throughout the world. Believe, live and know the Everlasting Father outlasts the trials and troubles, sicknesses and opposition. Faithfully know, “A Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
    
Prayer: Thank you, Everlasting Father, that to me a Savior has been born. He is my Prince of Peace to ease my mind. I faithfully rejoice that you are the Mighty God, who calls me unto himself. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

A Light from Galilee
 
Isaiah 9:1-3 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan – 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
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Luke 1:26-27 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.
 
THE word “nevertheless” to begin Isaiah 9 points to a new, restored life from the dark conditions at the end of Isaiah 8. There the prophet described the dark gloom over a land disobeying and negating God. “Nevertheless” is God’s promise he will one day act in spite of his people’s sin to reverse his judgment into salvation.
   Salvation will begin in the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. These names are two of Israel’s 12 tribes who settled north of Jerusalem. Their disobedience toward God for centuries caused many Gentiles to inhabit, own and rule the land. But God had a plan for this dark, disobedient land. In the future he – the LORD – will honor Galilee of the Gentiles. How will God honor this lost land? He will bring the Light to lead them out of darkness. The Light of the World is born in Bethlehem, but he will live in Nazareth, in Galilee. His ministry will be primarily in Galilee. He will do most of his recorded miracles in Galilee. The Sermon on the Mount, the Transfiguration and thousands fed will occur in Galilee. And even at his resurrection, Jesus instructs Mary, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” (Mark 16:7) Jesus restores Peter in Galilee. Light came into the darkness in Galilee. And we know now God’s Light has come into the world’s darkness to save sinners into life eternal.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Holy Father, that you sent your Light, so we are not lost in darkness. Amen. 

Isaiah 6:13 “And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”
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Isaiah 11:1 “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”
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Luke 2:30-32, 34-35 “For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel…34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
 
THE terebinth and oak trees in Israel could be cut down to a stump, lifeless to the eye. But even from a stump, they would become alive with new shoots to again provide life-sustaining food and shelter.
   Isaiah is filled with such images of God’s judgment and salvation. The Spirit inspired the prophet to declare sin’s penalty and then mankind’s rise out of sin into God’s salvation. In their sin, Israel would look dead, apart from God. But then life would come from God’s holy seed, Jesus Christ, the shoot to rise from Jesse’s (David’s father) family.
   We see this prophecy of salvation also in Luke 2. At the ceremony of Jesus’ circumcision, Simeon prophesies Israel’s judgment and then salvation through the boy in Mary’s arms. Salvation, though, would cost the Savior and his mother. Hearts of sin would pierce Jesus, and Mary’s soul would be pierced with grief.
   To the world, Jesus would seem cut down, lifeless on a deadly tree. From the grave, though, Jesus, the shoot from Jesse, would rise to eternally shelter and comfort his own.
   How is your faith today? Does it feel cut down, perhaps lifeless because many things are against you? Might we in the church look at empty pews or into the culture around us to declare, “There is no life here.” Is it possible we are too willing to allow doubt and fear to pierce our minds and strip our faith?
   If so, we must stop and know this: The church is planted to be the Tree of Life. From Genesis to Revelation, a tree of life is the symbol of eternal union with God. God banished Adam and Eve from that tree (Genesis 3:24) He then prepared the world to know Jesus is the way to the tree of life: Revelation 2:7 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
   Unwrap and celebrate this Christmas gift of life for your eternal soul. Rejoice in God’s promise that roots and nourishes you in his life everlasting.
 
Prayer: Grow my roots deeply into you, Jesus. Empower my life to faithful fruit. Amen. 

Isaiah 6:1-3 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
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Luke 1:46-49 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.”
 
Isaiah describes the Savior to come in many passages. We will view some of those in the coming days to connect with Luke. But first, let’s see Isaiah’s view of heavenly worship, also expressed in Mary’s praise to the Mighty One.
   To worship God is to magnify him in all he is. Worship is loving obedience and joyful submission. Isaiah saw heaven’s angels singing the three-part, “Holy, holy, holy” to continually worship God’s perfection. Revelation 4:8 records the same worship. God’s glory – his perfect power, beauty, righteousness, love – flows eternally throughout the heavens and earth. Seeing and hearing God’s perfection, Isaiah faithfully worships God through his prophetic ministry amid several kings’ reigns.
   In a different way of revelation, Mary also knew God’s holiness. As with Isaiah, God had chosen her to a remarkable work to reveal his glory to the world. In a sense, she becomes a prophet to proclaim God’s glory through the miraculous display of the virgin birth. From the day of the Spirit’s anointing, all generations have called Mary, “Blessed.” Why? This is not because of what Mary had done or will do. Mary is blessed among women and the human race because God chose her as one very intimate way to reveal his holiness to the world. Yes, Mary faithfully worshiped the Lord with her praise: “The Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name.”  Her pregnancy is unplanned, unexpected and even unwelcome in the world’s view. This will cause her many hardships during Jesus’ entire life on earth. But then in deep reverence she speaks as did Isaiah to affirm God’s call. Mary’s words express true, humble devotion. She knows God has chosen her to a most holy and remarkable task.
   Does “holy, holy, holy” now come from our lips, too? This does not refer to singing a hymn, but to heart praises spoken, sung and confessed to declare God is the Mighty One. He has called you to be his own. And in his extraordinary grace, the Holy One of Israel forms you to be holy in Jesus’ blood.
   Indeed, this is a most astonishing truth. Our response is to worship him day and night as we pursue his holiness and declare the magnificent things he has done for us.
 
Prayer: You are holy, holy, holy, Lord. Thank you for making us holy before your throne as we declare, “Jesus is Savior, King, Redeemer.” Amen.
 

Psalms 24:7-8 Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.  8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 
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Luke 2:9-14 An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  
 
THE psalmist calls for the King of Glory, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, to enter into the LORD’s domain. In essence, the psalmist calls, “Enter mighty God into your sanctuary. Display your power that we may live in victory with you.” This is an advent call, anticipating the Lord God will come. Known as a “psalm of ascents” it declares the righteous will worship the Almighty God as he enters through Jerusalem’s gates and into his sanctuary.
   Luke then records the King’s glorious arrival into his creation. His glory prophesied and promised, anticipated through the ages came to the shepherds that night. The Almighty God’s power and purity descends from heaven to enter through heaven’s gates  into his domain. Indeed, the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24:1). The glory – the power, wonder and purity – of the LORD Almighty has come to earth.
   How do you respond to the King of glory? Confess the King and welcome him into your heart, into your life. Arise each day to confess and announce, “The King of Glory has come into my life.” Live in faithful assurance that the King’s glorious gospel reveals his Almighty power to raise your soul to life. Shine the King’s glory into others’ lives, so they know his glory, too. In wonder, you enter into his sanctuary each Sabbath day to know the King has come to his church. In joyful worship you will celebrate the King has prepared for you his glorious home for your eternal life.
 
Prayer: Thank you, King of Kings, LORD of Lords, that you have come into the world to glorify your name. I praise you and rejoice the King of Glory has entered into my heart. In faithful assurance, I await you, King of Glory, to come again, to see your glory fill the heavens and the earth. Amen. 

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
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John 20:16 Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned toward him and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni!”
 
ONE popular Christmas hymn is “Joy to the World.” The angels declare joy has come in Jesus’ birth. Mary Magdalene declares joy is alive before her in John’s report of Jesus’ resurrection. From the angel’s, “I bring you good news of great joy.” to Mary’s “Rabboni!” exclamation we receive a message: Joy to the world! The Lord has come.
   Indeed, Mary represents all of us who love Jesus. Jesus found her chained in despair, captured by seven demons. Jesus released Mary to the joy of salvation in Christ, so she could follow, serve and learn from the Son of God. But then came the cross.
   Mary and the other women who also cared for Jesus and Jesus’ disciples suffered an inexpressible anguish. What sorrow and despair they experienced when they witnessed their beloved Good Shepherd die on the excruciating, cursed cross.           But look! That’s all gone now. Despair is done! Now Mary knows joy has come.
   Yes, our risen Lord has come, and he has made himself fully known to Mary and her friends. Now, even more, the Spirit has revealed the Son to the world - to even you and me. The psalmist of old wrote of this in the advent – the anticipation – of the Messiah: Psalms 14:7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
   God’s promise is fulfilled. Jesus was born. Jesus has lived as a man. Jesus suffered the cross. Jesus died as a man. Jesus rose as the Son of God, Savior of the world. Salvation has come out of the tomb to restore the world. Satan is conquered. Death is done. 1 Corinthians 15:55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
   Against the culture, out of the norm, out of their past and out of the tomb’s despair, Mary and the others stepped into joy to become the first missionaries, the first ambassadors to represent the risen Christ. Yes, Mary, your despair was deep. But your joy is so much higher! No matter what anyone said to you, you know he lives in you because despair is gone.
   Joy to the world, the LORD is come! Be sure your joy prompts you tell, “Jesus is alive.”
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being Joy to the World. Amen.