Meditations on the Meaning of ChristmasSample

Spreading Joy

Joy to the world.

Joy is a crucial part of our Christian witness. No one ever looked at a miserable person and thought, “man, I want what he’s got!” But to see sustaining joy in someone, to smell the fragrance of Christ, that’s attractive.

“Those who look to Him are radiant…” Psalm 34:5a

Obviously the best way to spread joy is to spread the good news of great joy, the gospel. All around us a perishing world needs to know the joy of Christ. We must also live in such a way that we are ambassadors of Christ.

Our joy is multiplied when we serve others. When our focus is on others we are less focused on ourselves and selfish desires. God created us to be a body of believers, working and living and serving in fellowship, so let’s make it our mission to encourage those around us. Pray for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Ask yourself if you look for people who will make you feel better more then you look to uplift others. Intentionally do things for people who can do nothing for you.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:3-5

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

Pray for joy with praise and gratitude and ask God how He would have you interact with those you come into contact with each day. Ask for opportunities to spread His joy.

Reflect

• How often do I consciously put others first, not just because of social convention or because someone is looking but because I desire to glorify God?
• Am I troubled by the knowledge that I interact with people everyday that will face a Christ-less eternity?
• When someone is unkind to me do I wonder what could be troubling them or do I become immediately defensive?

Action Steps

• Don’t let your circumstances control your thoughts or behaviour, joy is not a feeling.
• Spend time with God on a regular basis, read God’s Word and call it to mind throughout your day, stay in prayer. Rejoice in the Lord always.
• Guard your mind, put off evil desires and set your mind on godly desires, listen to worship music, be vigilant in watching out for negative thoughts and negative input.
• Remember God is sovereign over all. Don't let your circumstances govern your mood, thoughts, or emotion.
• Live in gratitude.
• Be others minded, be kind.