Advent: A Weekly DevotionalSample

Joy

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people."

Luke 2:8-10

Happiness is something we all desire. But our happiness is often fleeting, dependent on our circumstances and our mood. Jesus’ gift to us is something far greater—joy. When we live for Him, His joy can help us to conquer our most difficult challenges, calm our most terrifying fears, and overcome our most discouraging disappointments. When our hearts are filled with the joy Jesus brings, we can respond as the shepherds did—praising His name even in the face of things we do not understand.

As you celebrate the Christmas season, consider how you can choose joy in your life. Take your worries, your frustrations, your confusion, and your stress and lay them at the feet of the Highest King. Ask Him to sustain your heart with a deep, abiding joy that provides a steady foundation when your world is shaken. As you begin to trust Him with the things that threaten your happiness, you will find that He fills all of those empty, anxious places with peace and love and gives you the strength to trust in Him fully and completely. Put your faith in Him—and in Him, your joy will be complete.

• What can you do to focus on God’s joy?

• Pause for a moment to ask God how you can share His joy with others.