Living in the Scandal of Grace

 

[Jesus said] “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:38–42 ESV).

 

Martin Luther said that, since the fall, our hearts have been hardwired with a “wages” mentality: We only get what we deserve. We’re only worth how well we perform. If we do good things, we will get good outcomes. And if we do bad things, we will get bad outcomes. So what happens when someone does bad things and gets good outcomes? That’s insulting to us—but that’s the economy of grace. It’s a scandal we should thank God for because if God didn’t relate to us by grace, none of us would have any hope.

 

In the Gospel of Luke, a prostitute hears that Jesus is having dinner at a Pharisee’s house. So, she comes to kneel at Jesus’ feet, weeping and washing his feet with her tears and her hair. She even anoints his feet with perfume. The Pharisee questions (to himself) Jesus’ acceptance of this woman, and Jesus responds, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.’ And he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.’” (Luke 7:44–50).

 

The point is that Simon is a sinner just like this woman; the only difference is that he doesn’t realize it. Ironically, the woman has an advantage over Simon because she realizes her sinfulness and he doesn’t. For whatever reason—his upbringing or his privileged place in society or the good education his parents got for him—Simon has learned to cloak his sinfulness better than her and behave in more socially acceptable ways. But his heart has the same sickness as hers.

 

The scandal of the gospel is not that Jesus loves bad people along with the good people. The scandal of the gospel is that God only loves bad people because that’s the only kind of people on earth right now. One of the most ironic and beautiful parts of Jesus’ life is how safe sinners felt around him. This woman, for instance, lets her hair down, which symbolizes vulnerability, even a kind of soul intimacy. She’s saying to Jesus, “You see all of me and accept me as I am.”

 

The safest place in the universe for a sinner to be is completely exposed in the presence of Jesus. This woman symbolically exposes her brokenness of soul to Jesus, and all she finds is love and acceptance. Simon, in contrast, overlooks his brokenness. And in missing this, he misses grace as well. Jesus’ acceptance of sinners doesn’t mean, of course, that he affirms our lifestyle choices or is content to leave us where we are. Those who experience grace are changed by grace. But grace comes first.

 

Jesus says that, while he was on earth, he did not come to judge. One day he will come back as Judge, but he’d been sent to earth only to extend the offer of salvation to all who would receive it. That should be true of our time on earth, too. No matter what someone has done, until their dying breath, we extend God’s acceptance and embrace. As those who have received it in full, our only posture toward the world is grace.

 

Wisdom in the New Year

 

[Jesus said] And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25–37 ESV)

 

Wisdom… highly sought, and seldom fully attained. Our reading today is such a wonderful lesson to be learned and practiced. A “lawyer,” that is to say a trained rabbi who specialized in the laws of Judaism, came to Jesus, with what seems to be a straight-forward question: “Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” I can imagine Jesus smiling a bit, knowing that the answer the man wanted and the one he was about to get were vastly different. Jesus answers with a question: “What is written in the Law?” The lawyer gives the standard interpretation of attaining eternal life: “Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” Really! No one, with the slightest bit of personal honesty, could claim to have lived up to that command!

 

The lawyer then tries a different approach. He never wanted to have an answer from Jesus. His actions were designed to trick Jesus into an error and thus discredit Himself. So, he asks a second question, “And, who is our neighbor?” I must confess I’ve tried that a time or two by saying something like “I can love them, but I don’t have to like them.” Actually, you do.

 

The Apostle Paul said, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity" (cf. Colossians 4:5). God often presents us with opportunities to minister, but we often let them slip by because we're not wise enough to see them for what they are. God often places good works before us in the form of opportunities to share our faith with people who are outside the faith. But we need to be wise and willing enough to make the most of those opportunities. I’ve discovered that a lot of the time these opportunities come from experiences with people I wouldn’t ordinarily “like.” You know… these are the people that we simply cannot agree with on most anything. Yet, those people are created by God. He loves all His creation. Who are we to decide who should and shouldn’t hear and receive the grace of God through our works?

 

As this year draws to a close and we enter a new year, we need to remember that each new day brings opportunities to serve the Lord and express our faith to others, sometimes in strange and different situations.

 

Hope for the New Year

 

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. (Psalm 25:1–5 ESV).

 

We will welcome the beginning of a new year in just four days! For some this is very good news. This past year may have been very challenging for you. In fact, it may be that you look back and think, “I’m sure glad that’s over!” Regardless of past circumstances, we all look forward in hope to a new year filled with potential. However, if we do not know the source of hope, we may be very disappointed. It is through Scripture that we find God in Jesus meeting our deepest needs. So, it is in looking toward Jesus—the Savior who has come and who now reigns in heaven until the day he will come again, that we may find that unshakeable hope for the future.

 

The Apostle John saw that when he was given the Revelation of Jesus. Words can only begin to describe the power and glory of the ascended Savior. He is the Lord of life. John describes Jesus as standing in long flowing robes. Long robes were worn by royalty, or at times of celebration. They were a sign of victory, security, and work completed. A person fleeing danger or a worker could not be encumbered with a long robe. But Christ stands in flowing robes (cf. Revelation 1:4-15).

 

There is no threat to his kingdom; his redemptive work is fully accomplished. Children of this victorious King have eternal security. As we enter the New Year, may we all declare, “My only comfort in life and in death is that I belong to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ!”

 

Don't Miss This!

 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile. (Jeremiah 29:11–14 ESV).

 

It happens in the blink of the eye! One moment there are gifts neatly wrapped surrounding the tree; and the next moment the beautiful wrappings are torn and littered across the floor! If you’re not careful you might even miss the moment of glee your children show with each surprise!

 

Many of the people near that small stable in Bethlehem missed the greatest moment in history. I don’t blame them for missing what happened. Who would have thought that the Lord of heaven and earth would come into the world as a child born in a stable?

 

We are about to close the book on 2025. Today you might find yourself remembering some of the triumphs and trials of the past year. Even if you have had some wonderful successes in the past twelve months, you can probably remember some low points as well.

 

As you enter a new year, I hope you can remember that God’s plans have always been to prosper his people. He can transform ordinary events and difficult trials into key moments that help his plans to prosper. He is not out to harm us, but the dark moments we experience can be part of the most important lessons to help us grow nearer to him.

 

God has a way of saving his world that we may find hard to understand. He introduced his Son into the world and brought about our salvation in a way that could easily be overlooked—and yet he has changed the world, and his kingdom keeps growing. That same God comes into our lives and draws us into his plans for a hope-filled future!

 

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:1–4 ESV).

 

Merry Christmas, Y’all! I hope your weather is as nice as it is here today. We’re forecast to have highs around 80 degrees in our area, no precipitation, and a sunny day. Perhaps we’ll even get to go outside and grill our Christmas Dinner!

 

I hope you’ve already had the opportunity to read the Christmas story and reflect on Jesus’ birth with your family. If not, spend a moment and read Luke’s account: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11 ESV).  

 

Isn’t it a marvelous thought that God included us in the story. This good news message of Jesus Christ, heralded by angels and declared to shepherds, was also delivered to us. This declaration is an invitation that rings out and includes us. Today, we need not fear for God has given you good news of great joy! We all share in this. The good news of Jesus means peace, wholeness, security, and friendship. The invitation means freedom, hope, and love. Jesus offers a life full of meaning.

 

Whatever you are facing in your life today, turn your attention to this great miracle of grace. Allow the full effect of it to permeate all of your thoughts. My prayer for you is that you would be able to know the peace of Christ in all of your life! Merry Christmas from Texas!

 

Christmas Peace

 

Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel on the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. (Micah 5:1-5 ESV).

 

There was a time in our lives when we experienced the pressure to buy everyone a gift, go to every party, and fulfill every holiday tradition. I’m sure many pastors have felt the same, especially as we are near Christmas. The additional pressure of all the additional services only added to the drain of physical and emotional energy. Somehow, the happiest season became the most stressful. I know this is true for many others, though in a different way. We sing about peace yet rush through each day without it. But what if this Christmas could be different? It can.

 

Our reading today is found in the Old Testament book of Micah. He prophesies a ruler will come from Bethlehem, one who will shepherd his people and bring peace. The prophecy in Micah is a promise to us. We, too, can enjoy the peace Jesus brings in this season. We experience peace in the chaos by learning to pray before we plan. God wants to be involved in every situation, including how we celebrate Him this Christmas. Jesus is our source of peace. So, talk to Him and rely on the promises of His Word.

 

Isaiah tells us, “He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Paul challenges us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Jesus promises us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27). These are our promises today!

Doubt and Fear

 

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV) (Isaiah 40:28–31ESV).

 

I have found waiting often brings doubt and fear to cast a shadow over the great work of God in our lives. It seems God has been developing my ability to “wait” for all my life. Events and moments longed for deeply always seem to take the longest to develop. School, career, children, grandchildren, all of those “firsts: just seem forever in their fruition. Then, suddenly, it happens and I wonder how it could’ve been so fast. I find myself staring into the past, chagrined that I ever doubted or feared the outcome. Well, here we are on the threshold of Christmas and I wonder if Joseph and Mary had those same feelings as they waited for the birth of this miraculous child.

 

Our reading today gives us an insight worth understanding. The context of our reading today is after Israel had lived in exile for 70 years. They knew the frustration of waiting very well. Although Isaiah prophesied a rescuer would come, it became more difficult with each passing year to believe the promise. When days turn to months, and months turn to years, the answer for our hearts that have become sick from deferred hope is simply to trust in the power and character of God.

 

When we wait well, we learn to trust God with our lives. Jesus’ birth is proof that God’s plan is worth the wait. Jesus did more than save Israel. He saved the world and established an eternal kingdom, offering freedom from sin and a relationship with Hom for eternity. Wait on the Lord. Resist the urge to rush the process. Christmas— the arrival of God’s greatest promise— reminds us that no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.

 

The Journey to Bethlehem

 

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. (Micah 5:2–5 ESV).

 

Our reading today is significant in that it foretells the birthplace of the Messiah. Many of us have heard this story many times from various sources. In fact, when we think of Christmas, we are often reminded of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the city of David in which Jesus born. We think of the pregnant and delicate Mary riding on a donkey, Joseph confidently leading the way as her husband and protector with staff in hand, the demanding and dangerous trip to Bethlehem, finding no room available at the inn upon their arrival and thus giving birth to Jesus in a cave that served as a stable. However, if we look more closely at this journey, we would see a much different picture. I’ve included a map of the most likely route that Joseph chose for the 90-mile trip required by the Roman government.

 

So, let’s look closer by considering what Mary was like. When we think of her, we often think of the pious images of a delicate, light-skinned woman adorned in unblemished, ornate robes whose hands never saw a day of laundry presented in so many of the accounts today. As wonderful as these sacred images are, they cannot possibly convey accurately the real Mary as a poor first-century Jewish girl—albeit a singularly extraordinary one.

 

There’s no reason to think Mary was anything but intimately familiar with long days of hard work, as were other Jewish women of her place and time whose daily lives entailed various challenges far removed from technologically advanced, modern-day lives in first world nations. Mary likely began her day at sunrise by preparing a meal, perhaps of bread and olive oil with dried fish. Water needed to be carried and stored for drinking, cleaning, bathing and washing clothes. Food, such as ground wheat-flour, had to be collected and prepared; firewood gathered for cooking and providing warmth in winter; clothes laundered. As you can imagine, Mary’s work-day was perhaps ten hours long. To keep up, she had to be strong and efficient. Joseph would be no less familiar with tough times and demanding labor. His days as a tradesman—a carpenter—began at sunup and continued until the light had gone or nearly so. He was strong and resilient, with rough, calloused hands.

 

They would not have been intimidated physically by the trip that likely took a minimum of 8-10 days. However, they would not have relished such a trip with Mary being in her third trimester of pregnancy. James Strange, a New Testament and biblical archeology professor, had this to say: “Writers of the gospels of Matthew and Luke are so laconic about the Nativity event because they assume the reader would know what it was like. We have no idea how difficult it was.”

 

It begs the question of “why?” If indeed the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem as prophesied, why didn’t God make sure Mary and Joseph would already be there? God certainly was not surprised by the Roman edict for all Jews to return to their birthplace to register for the tax roll. There are many broad answers; however, the short answer is simply that God wanted us to understand how He works all things together for good (cf. Romans 8:28). We will look more into this truth in these days immediately preceding Christmas. For now, I hope you see God’s great will and purpose coming together at just the right time, in the right place, and through the right circumstances.

 

That is the Almighty God of all creation working on our behalf to bring redemption to His children. That is our foundation of hope and joy. Your journey may be troubled and difficult. Please know it is exactly what God knows will be best for you. He has already prepared you for all your circumstances. Every one of those trials ends with eternal good! Trust Him!  

 

The Candle of Love

 

And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Genesis 2:22–24 ESV).

 

Coincidentally, today is Mary and my 56^th wedding anniversary, and it is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The focus today and for the next few days leading to Christmas Day will be on love. I cannot imagine a better way to be reminded of the love of Jesus than to think of this day over five decades ago.

 

We were still students at Texas A&M University in 1969. We both wonder at the wisdom of being married at such a young age, though we are certain this was God’s plan for us. That day at the First Baptist Church of Bryan, Texas, was a whirlwind of activity. Family and friends came to help us celebrate. All the traditions were observed. It was indeed an incredible day! There are so many memories from that day. One stands out to me today as I write this devotional. The pastor and officiant, Baily Stone, leaned into me just before the wedding march began and Mary entered the church on her dad’s arm and said, “Get where you can see Mary Anne clearly. This will be a sight you will never forget.” I moved a bit to the side where I had a clearer view of the aisle and as the doors opened, she stepped into view. Bailey was right! I have never forgotten that moment!

 

Through the years I’ve read the Scripture I’ve included with today’s devotional and thought of that very moment. Surely this is the love Adam was expressing for this great treasure God had created to be with him in his journey. I knew when I saw her that nothing could be better than this. The birth of my children and grandchildren do rival that moment, but do not equal it. I understood in the moment of clarity what love was meant to be.

 

It is no wonder that when the Scripture speaks of the Second Coming of Christ the imagery of a wedding is used. Jesus is the groom and we, the Church, are the bride. That is the ultimate definition of love. This is Jesus’ love for us and our love for Him being finally completed for eternity! Soon the trumpets will sound the wedding march and we shall be with Jesus forever! Light the candle of Love with that thought today!

Grow Your Joy

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4–9 ESV).

 

Growing in joy means intentionally nurturing a deep, inner happiness through gratitude, mindfulness, positive connections, and focusing on simple pleasures, even amidst challenges, transforming your perspective from lack to abundance and letting joy become your strength and motivation, not just a fleeting feeling. It's an active process of cultivating a positive outlook by appreciating the good, practicing thankfulness, seeking new experiences, helping others, and staying present. Let me share with you some practical ways to grow in joy.

 

§  Practice Gratitude: Keep a joy or gratitude journal, noting blessings to shift focus from problems to solve to goodness to experience. Everything that comes into our lives along our journey has been sifted through the hands of our Heavenly Father and will produce good in our lives (cf. Romans 8:28).

 

§  Be Present & Mindful: Appreciate simple things, be curious, explore new places, and engage in activities like laughter, play, and creativity. Sometimes we are too serious for our own good. You do know that none of us will get out of this alive! Seriously, learn how to laugh again. Go ahead, dance as if no one is watching!

 

§  Connect Positively: Surround yourself with joyful people, invest in others, and serve those in need. Find those people in your community of faith that you know will always be honest and positive. These are people who will correctly balance truth-telling with grace-giving.

 

§  Manage Your Mindset: Limit negativity, approach challenges redemptively, and consciously choose to not let past hurts define you. Remember that there is no decision a child of God makes that is eternal. God controls and determines that! We are not what we do.

 

§  Nurture Your Spirit: Connect with your spiritual side through prayer, worship, or scripture, finding strength in faith. Be intentional about the health of your spiritual being. Read and ponder the words of Scripture.

 

§  Care for Your Body: Regular physical activity and giving yourself moments of pleasure contribute to overall well-being. Of course, aging brings with it challenges to our physical well-being; however, regardless of age, we can be our best possible for our physical circumstance.

 

This is how we may grow our joy!

 

Jesus Is the Reason for the Season!

 

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:9–11 ESV).

 

As I wrote yesterday, joy comes from being connected to the Holy Spirit through Jesus. In our reading today, Jesus gives us the metaphor of the vine and the branches. When we abide in him, when we make our dwelling with him, when we stay connected to him, and remain in him, we will bear fruit. He explains what abiding in him looks like and how love leads to obedience. Then he tells his disciples why he tells them these things. He tells us why he wants us to abide in him: I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (v. 11).

 

Jesus wants to share his joy with us. This comes from being united to the Father! It comes from the intimacy he experiences with him, from the sense of abiding and permanent love. It comes from the experience of what theologians across the ages have called the beatific vision. Jesus invites us to abide in him—like a branch on a vine—because that is how our joy is made complete. As Christians, we are invited into the relationship of love that the Father has for the Son, that the Son has for the Father, and that the Holy Spirit shares between the Father and Son. For those who are united to Christ, it’s as if they’re caught up into the joyful, loving communion between the Son and Father. This is the key to joy.

 

I often think of how many of us have hobbies we’re passionate about. It may be a sport, music, cooking, or writing. When you’re doing what you’re good at and what you love you might describe it as feeling like you’re doing what you were made to do. You might describe it as “being in the zone.” The “zone” is that sweet spot where everything is just right. But “the zone” is fleeting. It fades when the game ends, when you close your laptop after a day of writing, or when you finish a project. But it does not last.

 

Wellbeing is different. It’s flourishing and thriving in what you were made to be and do. As humans we were made to abide in God, to dwell in a loving, glorifying relationship with him. That’s true wellbeing. That’s what we were made for. True joy, the abiding pervasive sense of wellbeing, comes from being connected to Jesus. That’s what Jesus came to offer. At Christmas we celebrate the incarnation, the fact that the Son became flesh to make possible the union of man with God. We celebrate the fact that Jesus came to make joy a possibility for us. Jesus really is “the reason for the season”!

 

The Abiding Joy of Christmas

 

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:17–24 ESV).

 

The joy of Christmas isn’t the same as happiness. Happiness can be thought of as a fleeting state of wellbeing that depends on circumstances. Christians shouldn’t disregard happiness. I’ve heard way too many Christians dismiss the goodness of being happy. Happiness, while fleeting, is still a gift from God. Joy, however, is different. Mike Schmitz defines joy as “The abiding and pervasive sense of wellbeing.” Ultimately that’s what Jesus came to bring to us, an abiding and pervasive sense of true wellbeing.

 

In our reading today, the Apostle Paul lists “the works of the flesh” followed by “the fruit of the Spirit.” We cannot but notice that joy is one of those “fruits.” However, if we are not careful in our interpretation, we might miss the truth that joy is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit. He is the vine that produces that fruit. We must remember that the Holy Spirit was not available to do that work in us until Jesus came and finished the work of atonement. We simply could not have joy without Christmas, the cross, and the resurrection.

 

This Christmas Joy is different. It is abiding; it’s lasting, it endures, it is firmly rooted. This joy is pervasive; it isn’t limited to just one part of your life, it affects all of who you are and what you do. It is rooted in a sense of wellbeing; it’s related to flourishing. When you’re flourishing you’re thriving. When you’re thriving you’re living life as it is meant to be lived. Joy is the abiding and pervasive sense of living life as you were meant to live it. Thank God for Christmas!

 

Joy in Trials and Disappoinments

 

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:1-4 ESV).

 

Our reading today is not a typical Christmas passage. However, this letter from “James, a servant of God, to scattered Jewish Christians” (twelve tribes), urging them to find joy in trials because enduring these tests builds perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness, lacking nothing. It's a foundational passage about faith, suffering, and character development, emphasizing that God uses difficulties to strengthen believers' endurance and perfection.

 

There are many circumstances that lead to challenges and sometimes disappoint us with an adverse outcome. Disappointment can lead to frustration and anger. Fear may enter the picture as well. It could be the loss of a job, strained relationships at home, and pressures at work that bring stress into our lives. We also struggle when we get sick, or when a family member or friend becomes ill. There is also the heart-wrenching pain of persecution, which remains a reality in our world.

 

James urges us to “consider it pure joy” when we face ­trials and struggles in our lives. That is an amazingly counter-intuitive statement. It is certainly one of the most challenging commands in the Bible. But James explains that trials and sufferings in the lives of believers produce a stronger and more robust faith. And faith, as Peter puts it when he talks about suffering, is more valuable than gold (cf. 1 Peter 1:7).

 

When we see our struggles from this perspective, we can also begin to understand why Paul calls them light and temporary (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17) and “not worth comparing with the glory” that awaits us (cf. Romans 8:18). All of this is the result of the great work of grace and redemption begun when Jesus was born in Bethlehem! That prompts joy in our hearts!

 

Joy to the World

Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD! Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it! Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98 ESV).

 

Joy is one of the highest and holiest experiences of human life. Joy has been defined as the response we have to being united with what we love. To journey to a desired destination brings joy. The arrival of a child at the end of a pregnancy brings joy. To experience freedom after a time in confinement brings joy.

 

Our reading today calls God’s people to active expressions of joy. The reason for this is that the Lord “has done marvelous things.” God’s saving love throughout the ages brings his people to new lands, new life, and new freedom. And the right response to all this is joy and rejoicing.

 

Music is especially well-suited to rejoicing. Musical melodies and rhythms get into us. They set our mouths to humming and our toes to tapping. Music involves our bodies, minds, and emotions. So, fittingly, the psalmist says, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” and invites the accompaniment of a range of instruments to celebrate the Lord’s kingship.

 

This season we should lift songs of joy to celebrate that we have been reunited with God through Jesus. In him all our lesser experiences of joy find their eternal source and goal. And beholding him face to face one day will bring joy that resonates and resounds eternally.

  

The Source of Joy

 

Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. (Psalm 37:1–11 ESV).

 

The desire to have joy and be happy is universal. It is one of the deepest desires of the human heart. But happiness often seems elusive. Surprisingly our Bible passage today offers the hope of happiness, joy, and peace in all times, places, and situations. The psalmist says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

 

The question, then, is “How do we ‘take delight in the Lord’?” First of all, we need a right relationship with God—and this is offered freely to us through the grace of Jesus. And then we can focus on the full life we are called to in Christ (cf. John 10:10; 15:10-17; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 6:27-36) and how we can begin living that way here and now.

 

Thinking highly of God the Father, who loves us and sent his Son to save us while we were still his enemies is a start (cf. Romans 5:8-11). Focusing on the Savior, who redeemed us and has prepared the way for us to spend eternity with him and each other in perfect joy, is also crucial. And walking with the Spirit, who guides and comforts us each day, will lead to lasting joy, happiness, and contentment.

 

Some things in this world bring fleeting joy. But all those things break down, wear out, get stolen, rust, burn up, or betray us and ultimately let us down. When we “take delight in the Lord,” however, the Spirit produces the lasting fruit of joy in our lives. When our trust is in Jesus, we will find joy!

 

Advent Joy

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11 ESV).

 

Notice the angel’s message to the shepherds in our reading today. While they were “filled with fear”, the angel said, “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy.” Advent joy is the deep, lasting spiritual delight believers find in the promise of Jesus' arrival and God's enduring presence, distinct from fleeting happiness, often symbolized by the pink candle during the third week (also known as Gaudete Sunday) as a call to rejoice in the nearness of the Savior, rooted in thankfulness and future hope. It's a resilient joy, found even in suffering, stemming from trusting God's faithfulness and promise of ultimate redemption.

 

Embracing joy starts with recognizing the profound difference between fleeting happiness and enduring joy. While happiness usually describes a feeling based on external circumstances, joy is a deeper, more resilient state rooted in faith and the assurance of God’s presence, regardless of what’s happening around us.

 

Advent joy reminds Christians that true joy is found in the promises and coming of Christ. This lasting joy provides comfort and strength even in times of struggle. James described this reality: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Now, that’s a different perspective than how we tend to think about joy and happiness.

 

Biblical joy is not just a feeling but a practice. During this Advent season, perhaps you could create a gratitude journal to help shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to the abundance of God’s gifts. Engaging in acts of service, such as volunteering at our church or helping a neighbor, can also bring us great joy and fulfillment. By embracing these practices each day, we can experience a more profound, lasting joy that resonates throughout the Advent season and beyond.

 

This Little Light of Mine!

 

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. Thus says God, the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols. Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:1–9 ESV).

 

"This Little Light of Mine" is an American gospel and folk song dating back to the 1920s. It is known for its simple melody and message of hope, and became an anthem during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The song is inspired by the biblical passage in Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus encourages his followers to let their light shine. The lyrics first appeared in poetry in 1925, and while evangelist Harry Dixon Loes created a popular arrangement in the 1940s, researchers have not found evidence that he wrote the original. The earliest known recording was made in a Texas penitentiary in 1934.

 

Sometimes we use the term “blinding light” to say that a light is so bright that if you look directly at it, you could damage your eyesight. Here the Bible talks about the opposite effect—when light heals. We read that God’s servant will give sight to people who are blind. We begin to see here that God’s light—shining through his chosen servant—heals, frees, and releases people who were thought to be beyond help and hope. God even declares that his light is for the Gentiles—people whom Israel thought were outside of God’s care and concern. Through this prophetic word, God seeks to “unblind” the social and spiritual imagination of his people.

 

By extending the benefits of God’s redemptive work far beyond the borders of Israel’s imagination, God’s faithful servant disrupts Israel’s comfortable, self-focused peace. Instead, God invites them to see that his mission is intended to welcome all people into his peace. Let the Light God has given you shine through everything you do and say this Christmas!

 

We Have Seen a Great Light!

But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:1–7 ESV).

 

Our reading today provides an immediate follow-up to the passage we reflected on yesterday, about choosing to live in “utter darkness.” Because of God’s mercy, the gloom and hopelessness of consulting the dead will not be the final word on their lives. Instead “a light has dawned” on them. It is a pivotal Old Testament prophecy promising an end to darkness and oppression through a coming child (the Messiah) who will bring eternal peace, justice, and righteous rule, giving him majestic names like Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, establishing unending peace on David's throne, and fulfilling this through God's zealous work.

 

We should notice the unfolding impact of this “great light.” God’s people will rejoice in ways that need all kinds of metaphors to describe. Their oppressors will lose their power. The very instruments of war used to control them will be destroyed. All these signs point to freedom and new life that the people could not achieve on their own. The joyful hope of God’s deliverance flows through this prophetic word. Further, God promises to do all of this through the birth of a child, whose rule will bring never-ending peace. Where death once tainted everything, now the people who are trapped in darkness will see God’s flourishing kingdom coming into view. To make this certain, God declares, “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

 

During Advent we should remember how God started this rule of peace through the birth of Jesus Christ. And we look forward to the day when God will bring us into the fullness of this vision.

  

From Bad to Worse

 

And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness. (Isaiah 8:19–22 ESV).

 

God’s people did not always walk in God’s way. At times, the leaders of God’s people even consulted with mediums (cf. 1 Samuel 28:3-25). Here Isaiah notes the consequences of trying to consult the dead to find spiritual direction that only God can provide: “They will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom.”

 

God’s words through Isaiah are clear: there is no peace for someone who seeks life among the dead. Isaiah declares that the contrast between seeking God and seeking the dead is as different as day and night. Rather poetically, the prophet writes, “They have no light of dawn.” In other words, seeking guidance from the dead is like walking into a never-ending night. You can’t find the light of day by turning to the night.

 

The allure of such things is that they promise to provide quick access to the spiritual realm and to spiritual power. But that runs contrary to God’s Word in the biblical story we remember during Advent. For instead of demanding that we find magical ways to access God, God has taken the initiative to seek us out. God came to us in Jesus Christ, so that through him we might have unhindered access to God himself. He is our Hope and Light!