ZPCBlog

About the author: Bryce Nelson is 17 and a junior at Zionsville High School. He enjoys his classes in AP biology and AP U.S. History. He is active in ZPC's High School Ministry, and volunteers in the Middle School Ministry on Sunday mornings. His parents, Todd and Laura Nelson, and his sister, Jordan, live in Stonegate. Bryce participates in cross country and distance track. When he gets older, he wants to graduate from Purdue’s veterinary school and start his own vet clinic.  

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find the baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 
Luke 2:10-12 

This is a verse that we hear around the Christmas season announcing the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the true joy of the world. I have noticed that during this Christmas season I tend to skim over the truth that Jesus is our joy, not the presents under the tree, or the cookies. When you stop and think about this verse it reminds us that the joy of Jesus is not temporary, whereas the joys of this world are. The angel didn't announce toys or cookies, but instead he announced the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. That should be the kind of joy that fills our heart; when the world is uncertain and the holiday season is stressful, just remember that our true joy comes from the baby who was born on Christmas, the king of the earth. 

As I go through this Christmas season, I want to focus more on seeking the joy of Jesus instead of getting caught up in the worldly side of Christmas or all the busyness. Jesus is a gift that we can forever enjoy. He offers peace, hope, and love that never fades, and that is something that is worth celebrating. 

My hope for us is that we remember to pause and reflect during this Christmas season and letting the joy of Christ shine through us in how we live and interact with others because that is the real gift of Christmas – Jesus our forever joy. 

Activity 

Listen to Can't Steal My Joy by Josiah Queen and Brandon Lake. This is one of my favorite songs and it always reminds me that even in the valley of the shadow, I can still give God praise and no matter what comes, the evil one can never steal my joy. Listen to the lyrics: Can’t steal my joy, joy, joy down in my heart/ Down in my soul, deep in my bones/ I got the joy, joy, joy I can’t contain/ Nothing can quiet my praise. This song shows us that we can always find a way to give God joy and praise no matter what comes our way. Let our praise not be silenced as we share the good news of how the joy of the world has come to save us. 

Prayer

Dear God, 
Thank you so much for bringing your Son, the light and joy of the world, to save me. Help fill my heart with your presence and help me see the good in my life, even when things are tough. Help me be grateful for the things you have given me and help me share your joy through me to those around me. 
In Jesus’ name, Amen

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