“Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people!” Luke 2:10
Lord Jesus, “in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Ps.16:11
“Joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” Eccles. 8:15
Abba, “may they have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13
Lord Jesus, It’s 3:25 am Christmas morning 2025 here in in Franklin, Tennessee. Music of your birth is “quietly” filling the room (Darlene’s sleeping!), while these Scriptures about your joy invite, stretch, and encourage my heart. I am a deeply grateful man.
Thank you for caring about our joy—for making a big deal about it. It’s certainly not the only emotion you give and bless, but it’s one you intend to “accompany us in our toil” ALL our days. Thank you, Jesus, for temperament-transcending, circumstance-defying, suffering-assuming joy. “Whew!” and “Hallelujah!”
Free us Jesus, for we’re still capable of living like sheep without a Shepherd, wanderers without wonder—your betrothed bride forgetting Whose we are, what we have in you, and where we are heading. You are always rejoicing over us and constantly delighting in us. This reality boggles our minds, exposes our unbelief, and encourages our hearts. It is your joy that is our strength, not our joy that fires you up or keeps you from being sad. Because of the Gospel, we bear no burden to put a smile on your face or keep your feet dancing. How liberating—how peace-giving!
No matter the “temperature” of Christmas Day 2025—meteorologically and emotionally; no matter who we’re with or really miss; no matter if we have “figgy-pudding,” fruitcake, or Fritos; no matter if it’s the best Christmas Day ever or a really challenging one—we praise, bless, and adore you, Jesus. We “hitch” our joy-cart to you—and no one or nothing else. So Very Amen.
