Surprised by Joy! 2

Brothers and Sisters,

During this season we speak much about joy. But we seem not to have joy. If we were steadfast in our faith our joy would be unshakable, because we would know without doubt that Christ, our savior, who defeated death itself, will one day return for us—his bride. Having that good news continually before us should be more than comfort. Having that good news continually before us should be a source of constant joy.

Instead, brothers and sisters, we get weighed down with this life. We focus on all these pretty things with bells and whistles that are all temporary. All of this stuff will not last. It can only make us comfortable while we are here. However, brothers and sisters, we were not called to be comfortable. We were not called to ‘prosper’ as the current, ignorant world defines prosperity, with filthy money, and things that distract us from God. We are called to prosper in HIM. To receive His spirit and prosper in the JOY that only He can provide.

Our biggest mistake is comparing our lives to the lives of non-believers. We see those who do not serve God and we look lustfully on what they have and we wonder why we don’t have the same. Brothers and sisters, read this carefully.

We may not have the earthly goods that some heathens may have. We may not be able to afford to go to Cancun over the holidays. We may not be able to go to Aspen to ski. But, brothers and sisters what we have is a treasure that cannot be measured by earthly standards. We have God---yes God---living inside of us! That is worth more than anything on this planet. We have eternal life, and when this short earthly sojourn is over, we will be in the presence of God forever!

How dare we forsake the eternal for the temporary. How dare we look at what man made and even for a second, compare it to what God gave. This season, forget about earthly gifts wrapped in pretty paper. Focus instead on the real gift of Christmas---Jesus. He nailed our sin to the cross so that we may enjoy eternal life in paradise. Brothers and sisters, that is real Joy! That joy transcends our current situations and lifts us up regardless of worldly trouble. Give Joy this season. Talk to someone about the Christ of Christmas.