JOY.  By Sophia Archer.

Growing up, I experienced the hope, peace, joy and love of our Father who would send His Son to save us.  It was made known in our homes and at our church services that we were awaiting the birth of our savior.

Psalm 98:4 says,

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music”.

The ever-popular hymn, “Joy to the World” was a rendition of that scripture, but it became a song we sing at Christmas to celebrate Jesus coming to save us.

Luke 2:10 tells us the angel’s words,

“I bring you good tidings of great joy!”

It is so easy to get wrapped up in this season of busyness.  The expectations are many, and the barrage of advertising is plenty.  A campaign to convince us how the table should be set, the lights must twinkle so bright, the presents must be many and wrapped just right. When this all goes as planned, joy might be what you feel, extreme happiness, but does it always go as planned?  This world often tells us lies and this is why we must know the joy of the Lord.

This joy of knowing the Lord comes from God alone.  Circumstances cannot deter the joy that we receive from knowing our salvation and eternity is secured because Jesus came.  A favorite family verse that I grew up with is Philippians 4:11 that says,

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”

My mother repeated this often to teach us that our joy comes from God, not from this world, and though I did not always take this to heart in my youth, I pray it every day now.  I know that joy comes from God, and the more time I spend with him, I can retain it through even the trials of this world.

John 16:22 says,

“Given to us by God himself, no one has the ability to rob us of our joy.” 

Unless we let them…but do not allow it.  When your joy comes from God, no one can take it away.  So, remember, as the days are counted down until the 25^th, do not be afraid of what you did not complete, do not worry about what anyone will think or say.

Romans 15:13 says,

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

For you my sisters, my friends, I pray that you always remember that Jesus is the reason for this season!