Rejoice
Main Scripture Passage:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
It is as if Paul is pleading with his own heart, telling himself, “I will say it again, Rejoice!”
Most of us are familiar with the Christmas story, and it’s probably safe to assume there were moments where Mary and Joseph did not rejoice. It may even be fair to assume that for Mary and Joseph, leading up to the birth of Jesus was not “the most wonderful time of year.” Surely they felt tired, emotional, full of doubt and even scared.
But despite feeling this way, I’m going to guess that they fought for their joy. Finding reason to rejoice in the promise of Jesus, even in the midst of all of their questions. I imagine them, maybe even through gritted teeth, crying out on bended knee, in the middle of a dirty stable, telling their souls to rejoice in the God who was finally delivering them the King.
When joy is the obvious response to your circumstance, and rejoicing in God’s goodness comes with ease--be grateful. And when it feels distant and impossible--fight for it!
Like Mary and Joseph, fight for joy…fight for the very presence of Jesus to be your strength. May the good news of great joy fill your heart so that you can go on rejoicing, even if you don’t feel like it.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
It is as if Paul is pleading with his own heart, telling himself, “I will say it again, Rejoice!”
Most of us are familiar with the Christmas story, and it’s probably safe to assume there were moments where Mary and Joseph did not rejoice. It may even be fair to assume that for Mary and Joseph, leading up to the birth of Jesus was not “the most wonderful time of year.” Surely they felt tired, emotional, full of doubt and even scared.
But despite feeling this way, I’m going to guess that they fought for their joy. Finding reason to rejoice in the promise of Jesus, even in the midst of all of their questions. I imagine them, maybe even through gritted teeth, crying out on bended knee, in the middle of a dirty stable, telling their souls to rejoice in the God who was finally delivering them the King.
When joy is the obvious response to your circumstance, and rejoicing in God’s goodness comes with ease--be grateful. And when it feels distant and impossible--fight for it!
Like Mary and Joseph, fight for joy…fight for the very presence of Jesus to be your strength. May the good news of great joy fill your heart so that you can go on rejoicing, even if you don’t feel like it.
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