Posts with the tag “rejoicing”

Rediscover the transformative nature of joy as we explore the Christmas story through fresh eyes. Drawing from Luke 2 and the angelic announcement to the shepherds, we're reminded that joy isn't merely an emotion dependent on favorable circumstances - it's an inner strength rooted in our relationship with Jesus. The shepherds, Magi, and Mary and Joseph all had to move toward Bethlehem, toward the promise of God, despite fear, confusion, and discomfort. This teaches us that joy often requires movement - stepping out of our comfort zones and journeying toward Jesus even when the path is unclear or painful. The donkey ride that Mary endured wasn't a mistake; it was the carrier to her purpose. Similarly, the very thing we wish God would remove from our lives might be the vehicle He's using to bring us to our promise. When we truly encounter Christ, joy naturally overflows into rejoicing - rehearsing what God has done and sharing it with others. We're challenged to ask ourselves: Have we had an encounter with Jesus worth talking about? And if so, are we sharing it, or are we keeping it private out of fear? The shepherds returned to their dirty, difficult work, but they went back rejoicing. This reminds us that joy isn't about changed circumstances; it's about a changed heart that recognizes God's presence in every season.  Read More