Power Point - December 22, 2004

December 22, 2004

…the joy of the Lord is your strength.   -Nehemiah 8:10

I can’t help but recall a New York City police officer I saw interviewed on television after 9/11.  After describing his escape from the harrowing experience of being near the World Trade Center, he broke down and he said, “I just want to get home and hug my wife and hold my kids and be thankful and grateful for what God has given me.”

During this season of the year, that’s truly what I’m feeling. Count me among those who want to deck the halls, hang the green, sing the songs, and eat the food. I mean I am ready for Christmas! I believe there are some biblical standards for celebrating the season. When getting ready for this holiday, don’t stress. Discover the genuine joy found in this precious season.

Imagine the smiles that must have filled the stable the night Jesus was born? I know we’ve all seen the reverent pictures of the stable and everyone looking holy and pious with the halos hanging above their heads, but I prefer to think of the scene as one of sheer joy. The joy of the coming of Jesus! Because, you see, all along Jesus has been the only one to bring us real joy.

The Scripture says “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). And it was the Apostle Paul who said, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). We have a reason to discover joy! This season, rejoice in the Lord through your family, thanksgiving, prayer, songs, and laughter. Reflect on this special holiday and thank Him for coming to show us what true joy is. Someone once said, “Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it in one place.”

THE JOY FOUND IN JESUS IS THE TONIC FOR EMOTIONAL TOXINS.