Joy to the world!

How do we make the most of God’s promise of joy when Jesus was born?

In this plan, we will explore practical ways to live joyfully every day of the year.

DAY 1: THE JOY KINGDOM

If we were able to look at God's Kingdom through a window or enter it through a fantastical door, the first thing we would notice is abundant joy. The Kingdom of God is a happy place! And Jesus Christ was born to bring the joy of Heaven to earth.

On the night when the angels announced Jesus' birth, the first words they spoke were about the amazing joy that was about to come. "But the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!' he said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people'" (Luke 2:10, NLT). Throughout Jesus' ministry on earth, He tried to explain this heavenly joy that was available through Him on many occasions.

In John 15, as Jesus was nearing the end of his ministry, he even told the disciples that the reason for his teachings was that they would have his joy! "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" (John 15:11, NLT). And this abundant joy was not meant figuratively, it is for enjoying life now as we live on earth. "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17, NLT).

Do you believe that God is full of joy all the time?

The problem is, where do we find God's continuous joy between our everyday struggles?

Over the next few days, we will look for things that give God the joy He wants to share with you. I hope that you will learn to follow Him with more and more joy each day!

Scripture reading:

Luke 2:8-12

John 15:9-11