Christmas is Joy for the Heart

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “And there were shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, the they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:8-11)
  Passage:  Isaiah 35:1-10

      A well known secular Christmas song popularized by Andy Williams includes the line, “It’s the hap-happiest season of all.” For many people, Christmas is a happy time. The decorations, the musicals, the parades, the Santa’s in the malls, the presents for Christmas - all these and more contribute to people feeling happy. However, for others, Christmas is a time of sadness due to circumstances of a loss of a loved one, a breakup of the home, or a struggle financially.

      Happiness depends on what happens around you and to you. It is different than the joy the angels announced that Jesus would bring to the world. Joy is an inner sense of contentment and satisfaction that is not dependent on circumstances and what happens around you. It depends on who you have within you. Christmas is joy for the heart and that joy is all found in Jesus.             

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