It seems that life is one big conquest to find joy.  From our earliest years the world encourages us to do what makes us happy.  However, few find joy.  Even the most intelligent, rich, famous people have died with emptiness and lack of joy.  Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of money. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.”  Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.”  Extensive power, money, and pleasures are void of the lasting and permanent joy that Jesus Christ offers.  In John 15 (NIV), Jesus uses the vine and branch to describe the importance of remaining in him.  Then, He explains that if we obey Him and remain in His love, our joy will be made complete.  There is a constant grabbing for our attention.  The dark and devious acts of Satan seek to steal our joy in Christ through frustration, loneliness, and lack of trust.  However, when we cry out to the Lord, remain in Him, and fight for joy- He promises to deliver.

May your JOY be renewed this Christmas season!