Ridgell's Originals

 Joy to the world.  

It Is that time of year when lots of us are thinking about baby Jesus.  Christians around the world will be talking about joy.  

So in a time of serious health crisis, and for many hard economic times, how can there really be any joy?  Relationships in trouble.  Uncertain future for our world, our country, even our cities.  How can you really find and live in joy.

In fact, Christians are commanded to rejoice.  

And it all starts for us with the good news of Jesus.

When Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, mother of John, an amazing thing happened.  Baby John leaped for joy inside of Elizabeth.

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, it was good news of great joy.  A Savior had been born.

Jesus who will save us from our sins.

That is the good news of great joy.

Immanuel.  God with us.

God loved you so much that he sent baby Jesus into this world to grow up and die on a cross for our sins.  That is how much God wants you to live with him.  He let His Son pay for your sins.

Good news indeed.

No matter what happens in this world, I know that I will be with God forever.  That is not just a wish.  That is a certainty.  

Joy to the world.

You can have this joy.  A joy not dependant on the things of this world.  A joy because God will take care of you.  A joy because you know your real future.

I can help you find this joy.

And if you have this joy, think about those who are desperately unhappy and let them know there is a joy available to them if they want it.

Let's flood the world with hope and joy.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM