Neville Turley

If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  John 15:10-11 (NIV)

Christianity is a religion of joy – rejoicing in living, rejoicing in giving.

An angel of the Lord brought startling news one night to shepherds outside Bethlehem. “… I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

The words of the angel proved true. Joy became a recurrent theme in the Christian church.  Joy and rejoicing is mentioned more than a hundred and thirty times in the New Testament.

Life however, is never all sunshine and roses.  Problems and anxieties can be overwhelming. When the storms of life threaten we need to follow Paul’s advice.  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Whatever our situation may be, we need to look to Jesus so that our joy may be complete.

Jesus came to earth to glorify God by revealing God’s love for people and granting them eternal life. 

Jesus used every opportune moment to reach out to others. We must try to follow his example. Even when it entails moving out of our comfort zone. It is not always easy. When we have problems of our own, it is difficult to keep smiling.

Jesus knew his disciples would be heartbroken at his death and he comforted them with a promise. “… Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16: 22)

Nothing can crush our joy at knowing that we worship a risen Saviour and one day, we will meet him face to face.  What a glorious day that will be.

Prayer:  O God our Father Forgive us if we make joy harder for others by our own negativity.  May the Holy Spirit empower us to reflect the joy your Son brought into the world. This we ask for his sake.  Amen