This has been a complex year; downright difficult for many people.
Yet this is a season of hope and joy. (Not the happy, exuberant, all is perfect kind of joy; the hope in the one-true-God type of joy).
Joy Defined
“Joy isn’t like happiness which is based upon happenings or whether things are going well or not. No, joy remains even amidst the suffering. Joy is not happiness. Joy is an emotion that’s acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. It could be described as exhilaration, delight, sheer gladness, and can result from a great success or a very beautiful or wonderful experience like a wedding or graduation but the definition of joy that the world holds is not nearly as amazing as biblical joy but joy is also gift.”
Why is Christmas so special? Christmas is the birth of the joy and a demonstration of God’s love for each of us:
For those who lost loved-ones who were senselessly murdered
His love endures forever
For those whose loved ones were killed in the hurricanes
His love endures forever
For those whose loved ones were killed in the fires
His love endures forever
For those who lost loved ones from any means
His love endures forever
For those whose lives were turned upside down by natural disasters
His love endures forever
For those who experienced major disappointments
His love endures forever
For those who are disillusioned by the political divide in this country and elsewhere
His love endures forever
For those who are disgusted by the reports of harassment
His love endures forever
For those who feel like they are spiraling out of control
His love endures forever
Romans 8:31-32, 38-39 NLT (I encourage you to read this whole chapter)
31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[p] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We are going to face terrible trials in this life. No one is exempt. Yet we are given countless opportunities in this life to experience God’s never-ending love. That is where we find the peace and joy.
I pray you seek and find this JOY this Christmas!
Blessings,
Michelle
yourhealthandsoul 