Joy To The World

 Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As we celebrate this year let us remember the sacrifice that Jesus made even as an infant. Humble it was for Jesus to leave the comforts of heaven as a king to become human and under the care of two young parents. He did it as an act of love to the world and in obedience to His Father's will. Jesus came as a baby fully knowing the purpose and plan for His life, that He would have to live a sinless life only to die, yet He did just that as an example to us and as an act of love toward us. Jesus says in John 15:9 & 10, "As the Father loved me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." Jesus' example came from the Father, just as our living example is Jesus. In verses 12 & 13 Jesus simply states, "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." Jesus came to this cold, sinful world as a representation of His Father and His Father's love for the world. Are we a representation of Jesus and His love for the world?? Do we bring JOY to the world?? We must have JOY in order to share it. Read these verses again and see if you truly have JOY. Jesus laid it out pretty simply, but it may require a "sacrifice". ;) John 15:11, "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." Let's share a little JOY this Christmas and all throughout the year!! Merry Christmas, Candy