The JOY of CHRIST JESUS!

The JOY of CHRIST JESUS!

Even as the merry- making of the season wanes, let the deep joy that comes from the LORD JESUS linger and increase in our hearts until it becomes full!

Wouldn't it be more meaningful for us as Christians, not greet each other, "Merry Christmas!" but a "Blessed and Joyous Christmas!"

The LORD never asked us to be merry. He asked us to rejoice and desired that we experience His joy!

Being merry means enjoying the things that make our fleshly or carnal self satisfied and happy.

The 'Beatitudes' speak about being blessed, which means being extremely happy!

Being blessed means having the favour of GOD upon us.

GOD'S word commands us to 'Rejoice'! It is a decision we are asked to make regardless of our circumstances and despite our  difficult situations.

When we abide in CHRIST, we experience and bring forth joy as a fruit of the Spirit!

So I commended enjoyment, 

because a man has nothing better under the sun
than to eat, drink, and be merry; 

for this will remain with him in his labor 

all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 8:15

 And do not become idolaters as were some of them.

 As it is written, 

"The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
1 Corinthians 10:7

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew 5:3 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, 

For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

  "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, 

and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 

  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, 

for great is your reward in heaven, 

for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Matthew 5:10-12 

Rejoice in the Lord always. 

Again I will say, rejoice! 

Philippians 4:4 

 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

  knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 

  But let patience have its perfect work, 

that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4 

 These things I have spoken to you, 

that My joy may remain in you, 

and that your joy may be full. 

John 15:11 

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. 

Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 

John 16:24 Prov