(Luke 2:20)
The reason for joy. This is the time of year when the word joy is
everywhere. Joy to the world. I have joy in my heart. Isn't this a joyous
time. Joy, joy, joy, joy. Let me just take a minute today and tell you the
reason we can even say the word joy. God, our creator, has opened our eyes
and shown us His plan. He has shown us His son being born of a virgin in a
manger, He has shown us the example of the perfect life as we read about
Christ's earthly ministry in the Gospels, He has given us the one and only
sacrifice for our sins in Christ's death on the cross, and He verified it
all in the resurrection of our Lord on that 3rd day.... assuring us of victory
when we put our faith and hope in Jesus. I don't know about you, but if
that isn't reason for joy, I don't know what is. You better stand up right now,
because I think I might start preaching.
I know many of you are struggling with your finances....you should still
have joy today because God said you have riches beyond anything this world can
offer! I know many of you are depressed today because you are alone...you
should still have joy today because God promised He would never leave you
nor forsake you! I know many of you today are having marriage problems....you
should still have joy today because God can mend your broken heart! I know
many of you are fighting addictions to sex, drugs, alcohol, food, and tobacco
today....you should still have joy today because God can clean you up and
make you whole again! I know many of you are facing battles at work or
school....you should still have joy today because God said He would fight
for you! I know many of you are dealing with health issues today....you
should still have joy today because God is still in the healing business! It
doesn't matter what the situation, what the struggle, what the problem....you
should still have joy today because Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, and
rose on the 3rd day, giving you the assurance that when this short time here
on earth is over, if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus you will
spend eternity with Him!
Don't let the cares of this world steal your joy on this Christmas Eve. God
is still on the throne, still hearing and answering the prayers of His
children, still working miracles. I love you, care about you deeply, and
want you to know the joy this Christmas that those shepherds knew on that
first Christmas because of all that God had shown them. Because of His birth, we have the true joy of Christmas!!!!
