The Joy of the Lord

The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). And that word “strength” literally means fort or rock. Wow! That’s formidable. It also tells us that joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit and should be part of every believer’s life. But if joy is the key to strength, is that why so many Christians are weak? One look around in some of our churches reveals just how few Christians take these scriptures seriously. Instead of joyful faces, they often look worried, fearful, or depressed. Yes, there is much in our world, and often in our lives, too, to cause us to feel these things if we let them.

But the first thing the angel said when he appeared to the shepherds on that unforgettable and holy night of Jesus’ birth was: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day unto the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Nothing has changed. We still have the same “tidings of great joy.” Jesus is still with us. And He has overcome the world. No matter what we are going through, we must remember that. And this, too: “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5b)

May this wondrous season of celebrating the birth of our Savior rekindle in us the joy of the Lord so we will be strong for the coming year.

Wishing you the unsurpassed joy of Christmas.

Until next time,

Sylvia