Scripture: John 1:9-14; Romans 5:6-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; James 1:2-4; 1 John 4:7-12
God Came to Us
Emmanuel means “God with us.” God came to save us because we could not save ourselves.
God Loves us as we are
Romans 5:8 says Christ died for us while we were still sinners. He didn’t wait for us to come to Him or clean up our act. He loved us as we were and offered himself as a sacrifice.
Joy is a Result of Grace
There is a marvelous medicinal power in joy. Most medicines are distasteful; but this, which is the best of all medicines, is sweet to the taste, and comforting to the heart. This blessed joy is very contagious. One dolorous spirit brings a kind of plague into the house; one person who is wretched seems to stop all the birds from singing wherever he goes . . . [But] the grace of joy is contagious. Holy joy will oil the wheels of your life’s machinery. Holy joy will strengthen you for your daily labor. Holy joy will beautify you and give you an influence over the lives of others.
-Charles Spurgeon (Baptist preacher from London)
Take Aways
Does your joy come and go with your circumstances?
Have you accepted God’s gift of salvation? God loves you as you are, but He calls us to confess our sin, accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for our sins, and make Jesus the center and Lord of your life.
When difficulties come into your life, do you see them as punishment from God, or an opportunity to grow in your faith and trust in Him? Joy comes from knowing God is with you, He is faithful, he will not let you be tested beyond what you can handle. Joy comes from knowing He is at work in your life to make you more like His Son Jesus.
Do you share His grace and joy with others? Do they see Joy in your life?
