Joy - Experience Joy This ChristmasSmakprov

Joy TO the world: Take Joy out

If Christmas is a time for joy, and Jesus came to share His joy with us, then we ought to be prepared to share that joy with others! 

In His mission statement for us, Jesus said to go out and teach people to follow and obey Him. This includes in joyfulness! 

We need to be people who express and embody joy, gratitude, peace and hope in all that we do, because this allows us to share and spread the good news of Jesus on earth! This is the greatest joy we can share! When we learn to ‘go out in joy,’ we’re joining in with the whole of creation as it parties with God. Learning to live lives of joy is learning to live like Jesus!

Joy is sometimes seen as a lesser gift from God, but it is the secret to all the gifts of God. It is learning to enjoy, to revel in, and is the inspiration to share all that is good about God. 

In Matthew 13:44 Jesus said that ‘in his joy’ a man gave up everything he had to gain the kingdom of heaven. Let’s be willing to do likewise, and in our joy we will find greater satisfaction and peace than we even knew was possible.

To reflect:

1. What have you learnt about joy over this reading plan?

2. How can you put in place some habits or practices to cultivate a life of joy?

3. What is one practical thing you could do this Christmas season to ‘go out’ in joy and share the good and joyful news of Jesus?