Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:4,5
Christmas Joy Always
Daily Devotion – December 18, 2021
Devotion based on Philippians 4:4,5
See series: Devotions
What a wonderful time of the year it truly is: bright, blinking Christmas lights, frosted Christmas cookies, Christmas parties, Christmas presents under the decorated Christmas trees! People seem to be much happier and joyful at Christmas time. Christmas shoppers at crowded shopping malls will smile at one another and say, “Merry Christmas” and “Happy holidays!”
But will this Christmas joy and happiness last beyond the holiday season? For most people, no, it won’t. When the Christmas lights are taken down, when the Christmas tree is hauled out to the curb, when the stale Christmas cookies are thrown away, happiness and joy will come to an end. The rat race of life will continue—same old, same old.
Friend, rejoice! Rejoice, always. The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote these words. No matter what your circumstance in life is, rejoice. Why? How? Because Jesus Christ is your Savior from sin and eternal condemnation in hell. Rejoice because the Christmas gospel is for you, and it is all about you! The herald angel said on that first frosty Christmas Eve, “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 for you. He is Christ the Lord.” Rejoice because the Lord is near. With each tick of the clock, we are one step closer to Jesus’ second and final coming to this earth. When Jesus comes again in all his glory and accompanied by his mighty angels, he will make all things new and put an end to all our troubles and sorrows.
May God grant you true Christmas joy; today and always!
Prayer:
Lord, I rejoice in the salvation you came to provide. Amen.
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