December 21 Joy Comes

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. It’s a little word with big meaning. Joy is spending time with our grandchildren, especially one-on-one. Joy is hugging them, listening to them talk of their favorite things and doing chores around the house with them. Joy is in our hearts when 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 in a feeling of thankfulness God has given to us such treasures. Even at times when we don’t get to see them much, the joy remains in our heart because of our deep love for them and our love for God, who in his great kindness, has given them to us.

     As Elizabeth gave birth to a son she had lost hope of ever having, she and her friends expressed great joy. They were in awe and delighted in God’s gift of this baby boy. What a miracle! Their joy was an expression of a grateful heart and great love toward God’s tender mercy.

     True joy comes to our lives when we understand the Great Miracle God has given us in the gift of his Son. Jesus brings release from pain and sorrow forever. He frees us from sin’s captivity and destruction for all eternity. Yes, troubles and sorrows are plenty. We struggle with many things. But this is only a very temporary thing. Oh, how our God shows his tender mercy to do this miracle of sending his Son for us!

     When we understand this in our hearts, life’s trials seem smaller. Irritations diminish, aggravations go away, patience grows, and love prospers. A smile grows on our hearts knowing God’s great gift of salvation through Jesus lasts forever. As you think of how God is merciful to you, I pray you feel this joy in your heart this Christmas and forever.

Prayer: Oh my heart is glad, Father, that you have called me to yourself. Joy! Joy! Joy! In Jesus’ name, amen.