Daily Devotional for Wednesday December 22, 2010

Joy to the World

(Luke 2:20)

This is the time of year when the word joy is everywhere. Joy to the world. I have joy in my heart. 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 showed us His plan. He has shown us His Son being born of a virgin in a manger. He has showed us the example of the perfect life as we read about Christ's life in the Gospels. He has given us the one and only perfect sacrifice for our sins in Christ's death on the cross. He, then, verified it all in the Resurrection of our Lord on that 3rd day-assuring us of everlasting life 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.

I know many of you are struggling with your finances. You can still have joy today because God said you have riches beyond anything this world can offer! I know many of you are depressed because you are alone. You can still have joy today because God promised He would never leave you nor forsake you! I know many of you are having marriage problems. You can still have joy today because God can mend your broken heart and restore your marriage!

I know many of you are fighting addictions to sex, drugs, alcohol, food, or tobacco. You can still have joy today because God can deliver you and set you free! I know many of you are facing battles at work or school. You can still have joy today because God said He would fight for you! I know many of you are dealing with health issues. You can still have joy today because God is still in the healing business!

It doesn't matter what the battle is, what the problem is, you can still have joy today because Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, and rose on the 3rd day giving you the assurance that if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus, when this short time here on earth is over you will spend eternity with Him! THAT IS WHERE OUR JOY COMES FROM!

Don't let the cares of the world steal your joy on this Christmas Eve. God is still on the throne and still hearing and answering the prayers of His children. He is still working miracles in the lives of people today!

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, because of His life, because of His death, and because of His resurrection, we can have true JOY in our lives today if we will invite Christ into our hearts and lives.

If you want to know that Joy today, the true joy that only comes from having a relationship with Jesus Christ, pray and ask God to open your heart, then read the words at: www.liveprayer.com/bdy_salvatn.html. Give your heart and life to Christ today and not only receive everlasting life but JOY!!!

In His love and service, Your friend and brother in Christ, Bill Keller