Joy
It is great to have joy at Christmas. In fact, Christmas is all about joy. The angels who announced His birth brought tidings of great joy for all people. Jesus came so we could have a fullness of joy in our lives. Without Him there is no real joy.
We went to Stone Mountain today, so Jacob could ride the train and watch the Polar Express in the 4D theatre. He loves trains. He was excited by the train ride, but a bit scared at first. He loved the movie, and he gave us the sign for more when the train ran away down the hill and across the frozen lake. It was a great thrill for all of us. It was fun, for sure, but it was not joy.
While we rode the train we sang along with the Christmas songs. I don't know if the folks around us liked my singing, but I had a good time. We went to the elves show about Christmas around the world. It was great, too. They even sang "Go, Tell It On The Mountain." We had a good time, but it wasn't joy.
Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives that is an abiding contentment in knowing Christ, because we know He is there with us and everything will be alright, no matter what happens. Therefore, it is not tied to circumstances or activities. We can have joy in prison or in a war. Joy is deep inside, never a surface mood. Joy lasts and lasts, as long as we stay close to Him.
So, I wish you real joy this Christmas with some happiness and fun to go with it. Remember, when you have the joy, everything is better.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 2-4.
We went to Stone Mountain today, so Jacob could ride the train and watch the Polar Express in the 4D theatre. He loves trains. He was excited by the train ride, but a bit scared at first. He loved the movie, and he gave us the sign for more when the train ran away down the hill and across the frozen lake. It was a great thrill for all of us. It was fun, for sure, but it was not joy.
While we rode the train we sang along with the Christmas songs. I don't know if the folks around us liked my singing, but I had a good time. We went to the elves show about Christmas around the world. It was great, too. They even sang "Go, Tell It On The Mountain." We had a good time, but it wasn't joy.
Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives that is an abiding contentment in knowing Christ, because we know He is there with us and everything will be alright, no matter what happens. Therefore, it is not tied to circumstances or activities. We can have joy in prison or in a war. Joy is deep inside, never a surface mood. Joy lasts and lasts, as long as we stay close to Him.
So, I wish you real joy this Christmas with some happiness and fun to go with it. Remember, when you have the joy, everything is better.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I John 2-4.