Advent Devotion – Joy
Gentleness To All: Experience JOY Through the Celebration of Christmas
As we approach Christmas, what does it mean? Sometimes our behavior takes over and we may become frustrated with schedules, events, and family celebrations; panic may overtake our emotions; and, we may have regrets about things in the past. Why not take control of your behavior by asking yourself these questions.
What JOY did you feel when you first met Jesus?
How did this JOY change your life?
Is the JOY still there?
Let your gentleness be evident to all! The Lord is near (Philippians 4:5) Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) and experience the JOY of celebrating Christmas through “thanksgiving present your request to God (Philippians 4:6)”. Control your behavior by experiencing JOY during this very special time.
Rejoice With Joy That Is Inexpressible
In the 1970’s, a professor in the College of Education at the University of Utah gave a lecture on the “joy” of being a part of the education profession. As part of this lecture, he listed numerous ways that happiness and joy could be found in teaching and helping people of all ages. His lecture ended with this statement, “do not enter this profession, if you are not going to be happy every day and feel the “joy” of helping others.”
Two years later, I was in a church service and the minister gave a message on the “joy of helping people”. His sermon ended “Shout for joy to the Lord” and know that the Lord is God (Psalm 100: 1-3). Joy from the Lord will keep you in love with your life and work. These two messages have been with me 50 plus years as I loved my work in education and felt the joy of helping people every day thanks to the word of God. There is nothing more important than receiving the JOY from celebrating Christmas and keeping Jesus in your heart and mind. Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4).
-Written by Leon Greene