A Glorious Nightಮಾದರಿ

There’s no doubt about it: To be made right with God, a decision has to be made. A person must repent of their sins and accept the gift of grace from the Lord’s hand. They must acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and their Savior, committing to follow Him all the days of their life. For many people, this decision was realized when they prayed the sinner’s prayer or came forward during a church service or evangelistic meeting. But that doesn’t mean that the Christian life is merely transactional.

The joy we experience at Christmas—like the festive songs, beautifully decorated tree, delicious food, and cherished traditions—is only a small portion of the real, true joy a life with Jesus brings. When we experience Jesus, we discover that joy is not circumstantial, but is available to us all year round, no matter the situation.

When we dedicate our lives to Jesus, it changes everything. It changes our priorities, our perspectives, our purpose, and even how we respond to challenges we face. But the decision to follow Christ is just the beginning. Knowing Jesus and spending time in His presence is the normal Christian life. We are to live life with Him; as believers, we are no longer on our own. And here’s the best part: there is joy in His presence (see Psalm 16:11). No matter what is going on in your life, it will only be made better by spending time with Jesus. He loves you, He longs to comfort you and to strengthen you, and He is never far away. As we celebrate the Christmas season, remember the gift of Jesus, the One who fills us with joy, hope, and love for eternity.