Joy is Possible!
Our last devotional began with the words of that powerful hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” What a world-defying truth it is to know that God is the “Giver of immortal gladness.” Jesus reminded his disciples that even sinful earthly fathers are able to give good gifts. He challenges them then to realize an eternal truth, “how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.”(Matthew 7:11)
This 3rd week of Advent reminds us how a group of smelly shepherds, caught in the routine of life, were astonished by an angel’s pronouncement. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.”(Luke 2:10) Great joy for all people? Is this even possible. Yes! Yes! Yes! The Good News is that Christ Himself, Immanuel - God with us, is the cause of great joy. And it is in the Father’s heart for every tribe, tongue, and nation to experience this joy.
This 3rd week of Advent also reminds us of a more proper entourage, the wise men. Such we would expect to come and worship this new born king. We expect the rich of this world to pay homage to the King of Kings. And what we are told about them may catch us off guard. I appreciate how The Passion Translation (TPT) takes Matthew 2:10 from the New International Version (NIV) and makes it more life giving. The NIV translation is, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” This is a solid dynamic translation of this verse. However, let us read how the authors of the TPT make this verse so much more real. “And when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.” Rather than provide the reader with a correct narrative report of the events we are now invited to experience the event with our soul.
Words like ecstatic, shouted, celebrated, unrestrained joy are only possible when our soul is engaged with the Good News. And what is the Good News? Or should I ask to whom is the Good News speaking about? The Good News is none other than Christ the Lord coming into this world.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6)
My friend I want you to know that true joy is possible. It is possible right where you are and in the midst of what you are facing. True joy is not circumstantial or only promised to a select few. True joy is possible to anyone who responds with faith in Jesus Christ. And by placing our faith in Him let us believe what the Psalmist declares:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”(Psalm 16:11)
“You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”(Psalm 63:6-7)
Yes! Joy is possible! May we be embraced by it!
SCRIPTURES
Matthew 7:11
Luke 2:10
Isaiah 9:6
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 63:6-7
May the God of hope fill you with all joy today.
You are loved!
Jesus is your joy!
Uncle Mike
This 3rd week of Advent reminds us how a group of smelly shepherds, caught in the routine of life, were astonished by an angel’s pronouncement. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.”(Luke 2:10) Great joy for all people? Is this even possible. Yes! Yes! Yes! The Good News is that Christ Himself, Immanuel - God with us, is the cause of great joy. And it is in the Father’s heart for every tribe, tongue, and nation to experience this joy.
This 3rd week of Advent also reminds us of a more proper entourage, the wise men. Such we would expect to come and worship this new born king. We expect the rich of this world to pay homage to the King of Kings. And what we are told about them may catch us off guard. I appreciate how The Passion Translation (TPT) takes Matthew 2:10 from the New International Version (NIV) and makes it more life giving. The NIV translation is, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” This is a solid dynamic translation of this verse. However, let us read how the authors of the TPT make this verse so much more real. “And when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.” Rather than provide the reader with a correct narrative report of the events we are now invited to experience the event with our soul.
Words like ecstatic, shouted, celebrated, unrestrained joy are only possible when our soul is engaged with the Good News. And what is the Good News? Or should I ask to whom is the Good News speaking about? The Good News is none other than Christ the Lord coming into this world.
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6)
My friend I want you to know that true joy is possible. It is possible right where you are and in the midst of what you are facing. True joy is not circumstantial or only promised to a select few. True joy is possible to anyone who responds with faith in Jesus Christ. And by placing our faith in Him let us believe what the Psalmist declares:
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”(Psalm 16:11)
“You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”(Psalm 63:6-7)
Yes! Joy is possible! May we be embraced by it!
SCRIPTURES
Matthew 7:11
Luke 2:10
Isaiah 9:6
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 63:6-7
May the God of hope fill you with all joy today.
You are loved!
Jesus is your joy!
Uncle Mike
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