If you’ve read the Christmas story from Luke recently, you may have noticed that JOY is a recurring theme. When Elizabeth greets Mary, the baby in her womb (John the Baptist) leaps for joy. When the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, they said, “We bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people!”

This tells us something very important: Where Jesus is, there is joy!

There are many things to love about the Christmas season. Holiday parties, hot cocoa (with extra marshmallows), decorated trees, twinkling lights, celebrations with family and friends, and gift-giving are lovely to enjoy. Yet, none of them match the joy that is found in Jesus.
He is Immanuel- God with us- and God’s gift to us.

My prayer for each of us is that we take time to be in the presence of Jesus this holiday season, because wherever Jesus is, we will find joy!