1 PETER 7b and 8a: “When Jesus is revealed, though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy.” (NIV).

We search for joy in entertainment, relationships, music, songs, jokes, power, wealth, etc. The effects of these pursuits are all temporary and often illusive; they never change our lives or constitution.

“We cannot command joy, it cannot be purchased or arranged,” says Eugene Peterson. However, we can find joy “inexpressible and glorious” when we decide to respond to the One who freely offers the gift of sustainable joy… Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

During this season when we celebrate, our focus should be on the precious gift of the Son of God who took off His sovereign robe and came to us in human form; offering Himself to the shameful death of the cross, so that we may inherit the invaluable gift of eternal life loaded with benefits (Read Psalm 103:1-5).

In order to experience this sustainable joy, we must not only receive the gift but also the Giver and have a personal relationship with Him. It is only in the uninterrupted presence of God in our lives that there is sustained joy. Our lives should be so reflective of the joy of the Lord that others may be drawn to and yearn for The God of joy and glory!

Eternal Father, as a nation our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for Your gift to us of Your only Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who brought “Joy to the world.” We rejoice in the truth that some day He will return, not as Saviour but as the Righteous Judge and King of Glory!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

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