Christmas Devotional
Why did Jesus come?
Jesus came to give us joy.
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother; and opening their treasures they presented to him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11
Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:9-11
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
In the name of Jesus Christ…(the paralytic) stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 3:6, 8
…The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b
My Child,
I came to give you joy. You must know, there is such a vast difference between earthly happiness and divine joy. Man-made happiness is surface and temporary; joy runs deep and is eternal. Happiness depends on circumstances and it cannot withstand trial; however, the joy that I give you is permanent and powerful, no matter the circumstance, no matter the trial. Let my joy abound in your heart each day.
Immanuel
God, there is no JOY apart from Jesus. Thank you for sending Him. Thank you sending Him to us, for us. Thank you guiding us back to Him when we stray. Somehow, You allow our failures, our difficulties, our struggles, our simple life and humanity to usher us into real relationship with Jesus, our JOY. Help us carry this gift of joy in all we do all season long. Amen.
