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Joy to the world the Lord has come, Let earth receive her king. Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and nature sing, And Heaven and Heaven and nature sing!
"Joy to the world" is one of my favorite hymns to sing during the Christmas season. When I hear it, I am reminiscent of warm and fuzzy Christmas pasts when, as a little girl, I would curl up beside my grandmother and feel the excitement of Christmas as we sang our hearts out with the rest of the congregation.
Much has changed since those days. I am a pastor and a grandmother myself now and am not exempt from life's trials and troubles. Like others, I find the Christmas excitement and joy I had as a youth can be somewhat elusive as an adult.
But the good news is, it doesn't have to be. No matter our circumstances, joy can always be found in the Lord! The Old Testament prophet Nehemiah told the people of Israel "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Paul taught the early church we should rejoice and keep rejoicing! And King Jesus himself tells us in John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." I would love to be full of joy, wouldn't you?
Here are some practical ways we can find joy by focusing on Jesus this Christmas... and always!
-- Pray - Prayer is simply communicating with God! We can do this anywhere and anytime. Ask Him to take your worries and fill you with His joy!
-- Read the Bible - Psalm 19:8 says that studying God's Word can bring joy!
-- Give Thanks - Thank God for the blessings He has given you.
-- Focus on God's promises instead of our circumstances.
-- Serve Others - Jesus came to show that the greatest joy is found in serving God and people in need.
This Christmas, I pray you will experience the joy that can only come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that you may carry it into the new year! Romans 15:13 says "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Sue Wilson Radel of Forest Baptist Church. Her sermons may be found on the church's Facebook page and its YouTube channel.