Tidings of Joy

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By Ava Pennington—

How joyful are you feeling right now? Are you rejoicing in everything about the Christmas season?

No? Not so happy about the long lines in the stores, the extra traffic on the road, the additional expenses resulting in more month left at the end of the money? But it’s Christmas! Joy to the world. God rest ye merry, gentlewomen. Tidings of comfort and joy.

Some say the rational, intelligent thing to do is to face reality. Put aside the manufactured holiday happiness sold in the big box stores. Realize that our messy world is reason enough to wipe the grins off our faces.

They’re right.

The world is a mess. We can’t purchase happiness in the gift aisle of Walmart. And walking around with a permanent grin plastered on our faces will identify us as oblivious to reality.

But joy is not the same as happiness. Joy is not dependent on the calendar or the number of gifts under the tree or the state of current events. Joy is the fruit of a life that confidently trusts God’s sovereignty and understands He is in control, despite appearances.

Joy is not found in circumstances, it is found in God Himself. He is our joy and our delight (Psalm 43:3-4). Joy springs from the knowledge that God has provided for our greatest need: the need to be restored to Him.

When the angel proclaimed Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, he introduced his announcement by saying, “I bring you good news” (Luke 2:10). This good news proclaimed the birth of the Savior who would save us from our sins.

I love everything about the Christmas season. And not even the long lines, traffic, and organized chaos that typifies the month of December can diminish my joy. Christmas is not a holiday, it’s a birthday. Happiness is found in happenings, but joy is found in Jesus. No one can take Him, or my joy, away from me.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

How can you reflect the joy of your salvation this Christmas season?

“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news
that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10 NIV).

 

 

 

 

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Ava Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker. Originally from New York City, she relocated after a 20-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired. In addition to writing and speaking, she teaches a Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 150+ women from September through May each year.
Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts Ministries International. Ava has also written articles for magazines such as Power for Living, Called, and Christianity Today’s Today’s Christian Woman. She has been published in 25 anthologies, including 18 Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Ava is grateful for her husband, Russ, their marriage of 35+ years, and their home in south Florida. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations. For more information, visit www.AvaWrites.com or contact her at Ava@AvaWrites.com.