December 17th, 2018

Luke 1:57-58 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.
 
JOY is a little word with large meaning. Joy is anticipating our grandchildren coming for a quick or overnight visit. Joy is hugging them, listening to their opinions, watching a movie and playing a game with them. Joy is in our hearts as we are with them because we love them very, very much.
    But there is another aspect of joy we have toward our grandchildren. That joy is expressed toward God with a feeling of thankfulness that God has given to us such treasures. Even though it’s sad when we leave them and go home – even a short distance today - the joy remains because of our deep love for them and for God. Note, God is at the center of this joy. He is the One who has offered his extraordinary kindness to give our grandchildren to us.
    Elizabeth and her friends expressed great joy at John’s birth. They were in awe and delight of God’s unexpected gift. This was a miracle beyond the ordinary miracle of a baby born! Their joy was an expression of grateful hearts for the son and great love toward God in his tender kindness. True joy comes to our lives when we understand the Great Miracle God has given us in his Son, Jesus. Jesus brings release from pain and sorrow forever. He frees us from sin’s joy-robbing limitations into Heaven’s eternal wonders. Indeed, our God’s tender mercy is sure cause for true joy!
    When we understand this in our hearts, life’s trials seem smaller. Irritations diminish; aggravations go away; patience grows; and love prospers. An eternal smile forms on our hearts as we settle our minds into the wonder of God adopting us to be his children in Jesus.
    As you consider how God is merciful to you, I pray you feel this joy in your heart each day as you declare, “In God’s favor, I am a child of the Living God.”
 
Prayer: O what joy I feel, Father, to be your child. I lift up my heart, my hands, my mind to say, “Thank you!” Amen.