Tuesday, December 20, 2005
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT YOU CAN OPEN . . . TODAY
Notice the Apostle does not say, "Be happy all the time." Rather "Rejoice" -- that is, "Rejoice in the LORD." It's not unlike when the Psalm-writer says: "Come, let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord." It's an invitation to worship, to come before God in awe and humility, but also in celebration, joyfully rehearsing what God has done for us and given to us in Christ.
Like the gift of God's love in Christ. This gift which comes wrapped up in our Savior is meant to be used. That's why it's expressed as a command. The joy we have in Christ is ours as believers, it's the joy of which the angels sang at the Savior's birth. It's the deep and abiding joy of the forgiveness of sin and peace with God. We sing the angels' song every Sunday "Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace . . ."
And this joy is ours every day. A joy deep and abiding. This joy does not depend on the fleeting circumstances of life, on our successes or triumphs. This joy rests on God's wisdom and love, His power and grace in Christ.
Life's storms don't change the joyful reality that in Christ we are safe and secure. And our future is one of eternal joy and delight in the company of the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us.
