Joy

 JOY

The word Joy makes me smile -- and so it should as reflected in its definition.  As a noun, Joy means "a feeling of great pleasure and happiness," and as a verb, Joy means "rejoice."  This picture of "Joy to the world" hangs on the wall of my den.  I like to surround myself with the word as a reminder of all we have to be thankful for and rejoice about.

At Christmas, we sing "Joy to the World, the Lord has come, let earth receive her king..."  There was much joy surrounding the shepherds on that first Christmas day.  I think the angels were so excited about the long-awaited birth of Jesus, they could hardly contain themselves.  When the Father gave the okay for the angels to make the announcement of His Son's entry into the world of man, a multitude of the heavenly hosts burst forth from heaven with lights and singing such as the world had never before heard.  "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"  The sight and sound of it would have been amazing!

We sure could use a hefty dose of Joy during these crazy times we're living in.  The wonderful thing is that God still offers joy to anyone who invites His Son Jesus into their lives.  "In Your presence is fullness of joy..." is an assurance written by David in Psalm 16:11.  David lived in uncertain times, just as we do, yet David was able to rejoice in the God who became love in human flesh.

When Jesus walked on the earth and taught His followers, He said, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" John 15:11.

Joy is not just something we sing about and look for at Christmas.  Joy is what Jesus offers His followers in abundance -- in fullness.  To be full of something good is to be satisfied and at peace with the world around you.  Let's accept the gift of Joy offered to us by our loving Father.  Let's hold it in our hands and our hearts as the priceless treasure that was paid for by Baby Jesus - who became our Savior.  

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit," Romans 15:13.