Song of the Day
“O Rejoice” by Hillsong Worship
Scripture to reflect upon
- John 1:14,
- Luke 1:68,
- Luke 1:14,
- Luke 2:15-20,
- Phil 2:9-11,
- Matt 2:9-11,
- Ps 43:4,
Devotional thought
I have observed this year that there are many that are coming into this Christmas season with heaviness, maybe even a sense of sorrow in their spirit. And, while I recognize, and empathize, that there may be sorrow at a loss or loneliness at times, Christmas needs to remain a season of Joy!
As I write this it is the 3rd week of the Advent season, which is the week of Joy. Advent means arrival, so when Christ came to this world He brought the arrival of true joy with Him! True joy is having an unshakable sense of happiness and contentment regardless of our circumstances. We can have this because our joy rests within the person and work of Christ alone!
Although I do understand how a person can be sorrowful at this time, I still feel a real call to exhort everyone to choose joy! Joy is a choice, it is an invitation to come and behold the King! When the Wise Men of Matthew 2 saw the star that was pointing them to the Babe, they shouted joyfully and went to Him immediately! This would be my encouragement to you as well! Shout for Joy, Jesus is here!
The book of James tells us to actually count it all joy when we face trials of all types because they are working to build our spiritual endurance. When we allow our trials to produce enduring strength within us, then we will be complete – not deficient in anything (see James 1:4)! When we choose joy, even in the midst of trials, that is when we can endure any hardships we face with a solid confidence and peace in our spirit.
I would say that when we come into the Christmas season, it is of utmost importance to clothe ourselves with joy. When we are reminded of the miracle of God coming in the likeness of man to bring about redemption, the natural reaction to such news should be an overwhelming sense of Joy! If it is not, then I might invite you to sing the first verse of our song of the day again, repeatedly, until joy is restored!
Come, come and behold the Son.
Verse 1 of “O Rejoice”
Come, come and behold the Babe.
Come, see what the Lord has done.
Come, heaven has made a way.
Prayer
Thank You God for Your love and the joy that I can experience in Your Son, Jesus! I am grateful that the circumstances of my life do not have to define me, or rule my life. You are the One that has delivered me from a lack of joy, peace, or hope. So, I commit myself to rejoicing always in the Gospel message that saved my life! Please help me to endure this season with an overflowing sense of joy in my spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
