December 6, 2018
“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,”
1 Peter 1:8
I imagine the hearts of Mary and Joseph were saturated with expectation to finally meet this miracle child. But I’m sure their expectation and excitement was often squelched by the sheer immensity of this situation and everything that comes with it. Yet, they looked ahead to when the child would finally come, not quite sure what to expect but knowing that He would bring salvation to their people. Their human minds probably could not fully wrap around what Jesus would ultimately do. But to have this Christ, who was promised for years, so close to them I’m sure they were filled with a joy like no other.
Similarly, while we weren’t chosen to bear and raise the Messiah, we do have His Spirit living inside of us. He’s not only NEAR us but He is WITHIN us. As a result there is a joy that overflows from His spirit and it stands in contrast to the plights of this sinful world. So while this holiday season may bring grief, sadness, anger, or even apathy we can rest assured that our joy is not dependent on the holidays. And our joy is not dependent upon our family, friends, or even ourselves. Even though we cannot see Him we “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” The time is coming near when we will finally see Him face to face, but until that day I pray that I will find my joy in His presence and rejoice that it never has to end.
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