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choose joy

 


Choose joy.  Not easy to do.  But choosing joy changes lots of things, including you.


Luke 2:8-10  NASB

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;


We stay in the Christmas story as this week is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus as well as the story that started the biggest transformation in history.


Jesus brought “great joy which will be for all the people.”  But here the joy was for shepherds.


You know.  Shepherds.  They were most likely always dirty and smelled.  They spent their time away from those who were classy and with animals.  Most people would say these people were the outcasts and maybe the forgotten ones.


But who did God send the angels to when His son was born.  The shepherds were some of the first.  First to receive joy.  First to see the baby.  First to worship God because of this.  First to respond.  And so much more.


Joy changes things.  When we choose joy, things change and we change.  Joy is not based on how we feel or what we do.  Joy is based on the choice to dwell in and live with joy.  No situation will rob of us joy when we choose it.  Joy is a big deal.


Christmas is often talked about with joy, and joy is one of those words and ideas that comes with the lights, the trees, the gatherings, the presents and most of the season’s good stuff.  Joy.


I choose joy.  I choose joy because God offers it to everyone.  Have you chosen joy?


Christmas reminds us that joy is possible.  Choose joy.

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