When was the last time you literally leapt for joy? I can’t think of a time I’ve leapt for joy, but there may have been a happy dance or two. But where does true joy come from? Surely it must come when true victory is won over our greatest enemy. The angels brought tidings of great joy, and that tiding was that God has come into to the world to save the world. Jesus is the only source of true joy because he brings a victory over sin and death that can never be taken away. It is a joy that is completely dependant on Him and not us, and is a victory we have no matter what challenges or trials we are facing.
Luke 6:20-23 ‘Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets”.’
When was the last time you reflected on the joy that Jesus brings? How can reflecting on Jesus’ victory help you through difficult times?
Prayer: God, my heart is filled with joy, knowing you have come to flip the world upside down. Where there is poverty you bring plenty, where there is hunger you bring satisfaction, where there is weeping you bring laughter, where there is hate and persecution, you bring a reward in heaven that far outweighs anything in this world. Thank you for the cross, and that Jesus rose again so I will rise with him too. In His name I pray, Amen
This brings us to the end of the '12 Days of Christmas Prayer'. We hope it has been helpful through the weeks leading up to Christmas. If you have found it useful, think about starting your year at the Life@Work Conference - Unmasked: The Strength of Vulnerability in the Workplace, touring Australia in February and March. Registrations are open online.
