Finding Purpose, Hope and Joy Through Jesus’ BirthSmakprov

## Day 21 – Our Joy What is our response to the joy expressed in the Advent story? The angel said, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10–11). Has that good news caused you “great joy”? Good news is meant to be celebrated. As we approach the week of Christmas, are you able put the stress of the season aside and celebrate the coming of your Savior? Years after Jesus was born in that manger in Bethlehem, He gave us instructions about joy. In our passage for today, we learned about abiding in Him and obeying Him. What does it mean to abide in Jesus? Our passage today pictures an intimate, close relationship with the Savior. How did Jesus bring peace to the world? With each healing He gave, each person He released from demons, each sin He forgave, He brought joy. His death and resurrection brought salvation. He came to rescue, save, heal, and make us right with God. Following His death, the gospel spread through the early church, resulting in joy. Are you experiencing the joy of Jesus, even as you go through trials and hardships? Possessing joy is a choice we make. We decide if we want to value God’s presence and promises or if we put higher value on the things of the world. As we yield our lives to Jesus, He gives us joy. As the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”