We were interviewed by a magazine on how to keep the fun and laughs in…
Joy is the beautiful result of Christ coming at Christmas
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. (Luke 2:10)
Sometimes, holding on to joy, even during Christmas season, is a challenge. God has woven lessons of the pathway to joy into our lives, and He wants to do the same for you. I (Pam) often give Christmas messages for women’s ministries, and one is entitled “Christmas Joy”. This year I wrote, Discovering Joy in Philippians, and in it is a favorite verse on joy:Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Phil 4:4) I like it because it repeats and emphsasizes that it is a choice to rejoice! In my book, LOL with God, (co-authored Dawn Wilson) we chronicle just a few of the over 350 verses that speak to joy. And THIS Christmas, our prayer for you and those you love is for God to bring you JOY! Look over the list below and find a path for you to find and hold on to joy:
- 1 Chronicles 16:27—“Strength and joy [are] in his dwelling place.” (Dwell with God and find joy!)
- Job 33:26—“He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God’s face and shouts for joy.” (Pray, and joy will be reignited.)
- Psalm 5:11—“Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.” (Hide your heart in God, and joy willerupt in song.)
- Psalm 35:27—“May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, ‘The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.’” (Rejoice in God’s righteousness, and justice and joy will return.)
- Psalm 71:23—“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—I, whom you have redeemed.” (Worship God for his redeeming love, and joy will naturally evolve.)
- Psalm 92:4—“You make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.” (Review the goodness of God, and joy will fill your mind and roll off your lips.)
- Psalm 118:15—“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!’” (Review God’s victories, and joy will accompany the rerun of love.)
- Psalm 145:7—“They will celebrate yourabundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.” (Throw a party to celebrate God’s provision, and joy will be the centerpiece of your life.)
- Proverbs 21:15—“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous.” (Do the right thing, and joy will stick.)
- Jeremiah 15:16—“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight.” (Get into God’s Word—joy is there!)
Which one of these pathways to joy can you take this holiday to hold on to joy? If you are spending the holiday with family, read this list with them and ask which verse has significance to each person,
Here are other Christmas resources that might help you hold tight to joy:
Christmas Acrostic to Enrich Your Relationships
Christmas Game for Gift Opening
Connection NOT Conflict this Christmas
Christmas Conversation Starter for Your Holiday Dinner
If you are would like to give the gift of helping OTHERS live Love-Wise while gaining enrichment, encouragement and equipping for your own relationships, then select the membership plan that best fits your life and family.
May the joy of the Lord be your strength! (Neh. 8:10)
(Coming in May: Discovering Joy in Philippians: A Creative Bible Devotional Experience – by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, Karla Dornacher from Harvest House Publishers )
Pam and Bill Farrel,
International speakers, authors of 45+ books,
Co- Directors of Love-Wise.
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