Preparing for Christmas: A 5-Day Advent Devotional From Worship TogetherSample

JOY!

In our crazy, busy world, it is often so hard to stop and realize the amazing joy we have in Jesus. Joy is a word we use so much in church that it can sometimes lose its impact. Joy simply means to have intense feeling of happiness or delight in something. When you think about joy, what first comes to mind? Maybe excitement about receiving a new gift. Maybe happiness when you spend time with someone you love. Maybe comfort when you are feeling lost or alone and are joined by a friend or family member. Joy is all these things and more! Jesus came to bring us the fullness of joy when we believe in Him. But joy also ushered in His birth. The birth of Jesus caused all of heaven and earth to sing with abundant joy! The angels appeared and shouted praise to God and the stars erupted with explosions of light announcing His arrival. It’s hard to imagine visible joy like the shepherds experienced on that night in Bethlehem. Can you imagine seeing all those angels and stars bursting with joy in the sky?

For Christians, our joy is rooted in our delight in the story of Jesus and the triumph of what He did for us. And it all begins with the amazing Christmas story about a baby in a manger. Just like heaven and earth were filled with joy the night Jesus was born, we can be filled with joy too. Jesus is that New Gift we can get excited about. Jesus is the One who loves you and longs to spend time with you. Jesus is the Comforter who came to rescue you when you were lost and alone. So, you can join heaven and nature, singing JOY! Pray, thanking Jesus that He came to bring you joy and worship Him with your whole heart, not just at Christmas but, all year long!