Hello,
Last week we took a look in the Old Testament to see the fullness
of joy coming in the presence of God.
As we look forward to Christmas time – what an extension of
that definition! When Mary visits Elizabeth, John responded while still in the
womb.
Luke 1:39-45 “ Now at this time Mary arose and
went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered
the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the
Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you
among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how
has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to
me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby
leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed
that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the
Lord.’” (NASB)
Then, when Jesus was born this joy was part of the
announcement to the shepherds as they were told of His birth – Luke 2:9-11 “And an
angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord
shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said
to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy
which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has
been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” (NASB)
There is fullness of joy in the presence of God – and Christmas
represents the time where He took that opportunity and connection to a whole
new level. When you think this year of Christmas Joy – remember the fullness of
joy in His presence.
Psalm 16:10-11 “For
You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor will You allow Your Holy One to
undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is
fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (NASB).
Hello,
As we enter December
and Christmas time, I think of everything going on in the world that can get
you bothered, upset, angry or even depressed. We cannot escape reality – these
things are happening. But how can we find joy in the middle of this – without
trying to isolate ourselves from reality? The Psalmist here gives us a huge
insight – it is God’s presence. Now, not only does His presence bring joy, but
the fullness of joy. To me when I hear “fullness” I think completeness – or
something that cannot be filled any further. What more could you ask for when
it comes to joy, but joy which could not be any more filling???
Struggling with joy
– get into His presence.
Have a blessed day,
Will Hill
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