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Sheila Fitzgerald
Published in Daybreak Devotions and Nighttime Prayers
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The Joy of Jesus


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“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11

Years ago, I used to lead young, Sunday school children in a simple yet profound song about the meaning of joy.  “ J*O*Y,  J*O*Y, That must surely mean Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between.” What a great motto to live by!

In Luke 2:10-11, the physician Luke writes, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be for all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (emphasis mine)

What is joy? Joy is choosing happiness regardless of circumstance because you trust in God for His purpose in your life.  Are you experiencing joy in your life? I suggest you put into practice the children’s song, “JOY”, mentioned above.

(1) The Joy of Jesus: Spend quality time with Him. Talk to Him. Study His love letter to you; the Bible. Did you know the number one thing people want for Christmas is time with loved ones? Jesus wants the same. He, too, wants our time and attention. Loving Jesus is not a “have to”, but a “get to”. Is Jesus at the top of your love list? 

(2) The Joy of Others: We are called to serve others with a loving heart. We are also commanded to tell others about Jesus and what He has done in our lives. How can we celebrate Jesus’ birthday? How about showing your family and friends the real reason for the season by making a cake for Jesus and singing happy birthday to Him.

(3) The Joy of Yourself: Let go of expectations. Be in the moment. Cherish time with family and friends. Commit to giving yourself grace as a gift this year. Are you hosting a party or family gathering? Ask your guests to bring their favorite holiday dish to the event. It will make less work for you, and your guests will get to share in the fun. This is a win-win for everyone.

Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between. Wouldn’t it be a glorious Christmas if we all made this our goal? What a wonderful life it would be! May this JOYful Christmas season begin with you and me. Remember the real reason for the season. His name is Jesus. Without Him there would be no CHRISTmas. Remember that Jesus is joy! May you experience the fullness of His joy this Christmas!


Questions for Reflection:

  1. Are you experiencing joy in your life? If so, what does that look like?
  2. Is Jesus at the top of your love list this Christmas season? If not, why not?
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    Sheila Fitzgerald

    Sheila Preston Fitzgerald is alive today only by the Grace of God. A near-death motorcycle accident that should have taken her life, instead, filled this Godly woman with a passion larger than life itself. Sheila’s love of people, love of life, and most importantly her love for Jesus, radiates in all she does. Her miraculous testimony of redemptive healing, from the inside out, will have you laughing and crying with joy. In spite of multiple horrific losses and countless “one step forward – two steps back” do-overs, Sheila has learned to, literally, walk out her incredible journey of faith and recovery.

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