"...I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people."

-Luke 2:10

In December, we are looking at the joy that is ours as the result of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. First, we have joy because, by faith, we know it was Jesus who came to save us from our sin. Secondly, when trials and difficulties come our way, we can "consider it all joy" because we know God intends to use our trials to conform us to the image of His Son. But joy in the Lord serves another purpose. Nehemiah encouraged God's people by saying, "Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." If believers are defeated and discouraged, they will not be able to stand against the pull of the flesh, the temptations of the devil, or the opposition that comes from the world. But it is written, "You are from God, little children and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." In the words of the psalmist, "Sing for joy to God our strength." As we come to the close of another year, may we find our joy and our strength in the One who was born in Bethlehem. Be encouraged!

Scripture References: Luke 2:10; Selected Scripture