But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 CSB

The joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b CSB

This week our advent theme is joy. In our first verse the angels proclaim joy for all people at the birth of Jesus. Joy is defined as extreme happiness or contentment. Our Christian joy is based, like our hope, not on our circumstances, but on our Lord Jesus Christ. Part of our joy is the joy of our salvation, bought and paid for by Jesus. Part is the joy of our eternal home in heaven. And part is the joy found in the promises of our Lord to always be with us and work things for our good.

I love our second verse from Nehemiah. Our joy in the Lord is our strength. Not only does our joy come from the Lord but it strengthens us, it builds us up, it keeps us going when the world around is full of troubles and challenges. Our joy in the Lord transcends our circumstances. When things get busy and the storms of life toss us about, we have to choose joy, to be joyful in the Lord. We have to look to Jesus and regain our joy.

This week rediscover your joy in the Lord. Take time to watch a beautiful sunrise and rekindle your joy. Read God’s word and rejoice in His promises. Be thankful for all the blessings in your life and joyously praise the Lord. Then, share your joy of the Lord with others. Shine the joy of the Lord so that others will want to know the source of your joy!

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we choose joy in this busy Christmas season.

Blessings and a life of hope, peace and joy in our Lord and Savior!