Daily Devotional for Friday December 24, 1999

The Reason For Joy

(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!!!!