December 9
"When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.'" -Luke 1:41-44 (NIV)
Have you ever been in a dangerous situation? Elizabeth certainly was as she prepared to give birth when 60 or 70. After facing years of humiliation as a childless woman, she was now facing possible death or permanent injury giving birth at such an advanced age. She could have chosen to become an anxious, insecure, fearful, complainer. Yet she chose to become a joyous messenger of God, protector of Mary, and mother of John the Baptist. In spite of the dangers, God lifted her up and strengthened her with the blessings of Joy. For the truth is the truly happy and victorious, live "not by might nor by power, but by God’s Spirit." It is by their faith (or trust) in God that they attained that victory that truly overcomes the darkness of this world! (1Jn 5:4) God’s Word hasn't changed. The Promise of the Holy Spirit with God’s gift of Joy still remains. Yet it is only the power of the Holy Spirit that can bring you the lasting Joy and energy needed to overcome challenges and stand firm in face of the difficulties, grief, loss, discouragement, challenges, afflictions, and problems we all face in uncertain times.
How then, do we receive this Advent "gift of Joy" God wants to give us? Don't be afraid to ask, seek, and pray for Joy. God waits eagerly today to grant infinite Joy to you - releasing all the hope, peace, and strength you will ever need in trying times. For the victory over exhaustion, weariness, loss, grief, and discouragement is indeed yours in Christ if you only seek and believe God's promises are still true today that Christ is still coming to bring: "Good News that will cause great joy for all people.... and this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger."(Lk. 2:10-12) Rejoice! Your savior comes!
Prayer: Holy Spirit, Thank you for the gift of Joy. Amen.
Meditation For the Day: Fear freezes hearts and enslaves. Joy frees!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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