Church Family Update - December 16, 2020

An Advent Devotional:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44

Childlike wonder is something that fades over time if we don’t cultivate it. My kids don’t need to be instructed to be full of excitement and anticipation right now. It just comes naturally because this is a season of wonder and joy. Sure, the presents and the Christmas cookies help. But there’s something wonderful and worshipful in the air during this time of year and they feel it and they respond to it. That’s being childish in the best sense of that word and we would all do well to cultivate that childlike wonder. 

When you read the verse above, what word stands out to you? JOY, right? Can you picture it? The man unexpectedly found treasure hidden in a field and it immediately filled him with joy. And it was this newfound joy that motivated him to do whatever it took to obtain that treasure and make it his own. 

As adults, we often remind our kids at Christmas that the biggest gift of all is the gift God gave us by sending his own son, Jesus, into the world. That’s absolutely true but what was God actually giving us when He gave us his own son? Our salvation? Yes, of course. But what’s the result of our salvation? JOY! 

Christ came to bring joy to the world! That’s the gift of Christmas. Do you remember these parting words that Jesus spoke to his followers? “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” 

We misrepresent the whole tone of the season if we’re not marked by a deep and abiding joy. Joy is one of the gifts that Christ brought into the world at Christmas. That gift of joy has your name on the package. So open it up and use it. It's yours! If you don’t know how to do that, watch some children, they’ll teach you.

Have a joyful day!

Pastor Jason