Psalm 144:1-15 One of my favorite Christmas hymns is “Joy to the World.” True joy can only come from Jesus, and on this Christmas morning we are more aware than ever of this fact. All over the world people are celebrating the birth of Jesus, and their joy is not based upon their circumstances. Their joy is based on the fact Jesus has come to touch their circumstances and every area of their lives.
So many on this day go to the bars to celebrate, and often they celebrate Christmas by getting loaded because of overdrinking. Such people are seeking joy in the wrong kind of drink. These people will only be satisfied temporarily. Jesus offers to us all the drink of living water that will cause us never to thirst again. He told us the secret to true joy, which is to abide in Him and allow His words and love to abide in us. Jesus is the source of lasting joy. He said, “These things have I told you that your joy might be full and that My joy might remain in you.”
So many get depressed right after Christmas because the glow has vanished and they are faced once again with the mundane daily job and duties. They have forgotten that Christmas Day is passed, but Jesus Christ has not. He lives and is praying for us on the day after Christmas and on every day for the rest of our lives. Jesus is the true joy who is the glory and lifter of our heads. He is the day spring that causes us to spring with His Spirit daily. This psalm says, “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.”
Today you will be happy if you make Jesus the Lord of your life. He is waiting to receive those special gifts of your cares and concerns wrapped in prayer. As you are giving gifts to others, be sure to cast all of your worries, cares and everything that concerns you into the arms of Jesus. He can’t wait to receive your cares because He cares for you. When you cast all of your cares upon Him, you can enter into the exhortation, “Be happy, don’t worry.” Joy is waiting you this Christmas day as you rest your burdens into His hands. Joy to the world! The Lord has come not just once, but He lives now and is praying for you, and soon He will come again. What a day that will be when our Jesus we will see. We will look into His face and see the majesty of His grace. It will be better than Christmas. JOY! JOY! JOY !!!
Happy birthday, Jesus! I give You all my cares and concerns as gifts to You on Your birthday. Thank You for touching each one.
READ: Zechariah 8:1-23; Revelation 16:1-21; Psalm 144:1-15; Proverbs 30:29-31
Bill Wiese 
Paul McGuire 
