Complete Joy

It’s Christmas Eve. The shopping is done, the presents are wrapped and placed below the sparkling twinkle of the Christmas tree. As the dawn of Christmas morning arrives, joy will fill the home, for those receiving their gifts. When the package has been opened and the day is done, joy in the moment will be all but a memory. 

For many, this time of year brings the feeling of joy, for others this time of year is a reminder of heartache. How grateful we are that true joy isn’t found in our twinkling lights, a gift received or just for a season. Complete Joy is found in a person, not a thing or a feeling.  

In John 15 Jesus says “remain in my love, if you obey my commands you will abide in my love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 

Jesus connects love and obedience to true everlasting joy. When we abide in Him, our hearts will align with His and our joy from obedience to Christ will be complete. That doesn’t mean we’ll always feel joy. Complete joy is the peace he gives us in moments of heartache. His power he bestows upon us in hardship and the eternal hope we have from fellowship with Him.   

With all the hustle the holiday season brings, may we remember the birth of our Lord and Savior. When life seems overbearing, abide in Him. Study his Word. Get to know Him on a personal level. Jesus is waiting for you. Through accepting his love and believing in Him as personal Lord and Savior complete joy is yours my friend. If you’ve never experienced the gift of complete joy, it is waiting for you this Christmas season. His name is Jesus. 

Joy to the world the Lord is come

Let earth receive her king

Let every heart prepare Him room