read
You let me know the path of life. There is so much joy in your presence. At your right hand are eternal joys. (Ps. 16:11)
reflect
Let me know what you want for Christmas this year. path of life. Can someone please let me know if you find it? That’s wonderful. thank you! Perhaps this year the secret will be wrapped up under the Christmas tree.
Christmas brings back so many nostalgic memories that I imagine this holiday will get me back on track in life. I think about it every Christmas, This year is going to be different. Slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells. I would like to spend my time thanking God for how He has led me this past year and how He has promised to lead me next year as well.. And every Christmas morning I stumble downstairs and collapse from exhaustion. Especially if I’m up late building toys and the kids are up early.
When I feel lost, especially during busy times like the holidays, Psalm 16:11 brings me home. I want my path in life to be clear and straight (Matthew 7:14). That might make it easier to find and follow. But in moments of greater spiritual clarity, we remember that Jesus Himself is the Way, “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). And following Him is less about knowing where I’m going and more about trusting Him to lead me.
Following Jesus isn’t about knowing where I’m going, it’s about trusting Him to lead me.
I don’t know why you think it’s better to know what’s around the corner in life. March 10, 2020 Will it help you know what next year has in store? Perhaps the reverse was also true. You must have been overwhelmed with worry and sadness. But through those dark days, Jesus never left me. God’s presence is full of joy because He is the path of life. And not even a global pandemic and its ongoing aftermath can take away that joy.
The Christmas season promises joy by receiving the perfect gift. If you can put that red ribbon on your new car, life will be fine. If someone special gave me that ring or necklace, I would be loved. But when you turn off the TV, everyone knows better. I know this Christmas will be a lot like previous years. You eat too much food and gain too much weight. My kids won’t like the presents as much as I thought they would. When nostalgia does not match reality, expectations are at some point replaced by disappointment.
But nothing can take away the joy of Christ. He carried his own cross to the hill of Golgotha to be the way to his life. When he ascended to the right hand of his Father, you and I could enjoy joy forever. That’s the only Christmas present we really need.
respond
Do you think following Jesus is a joy? What is it about Jesus that brings you special joy?
be happy
Jesus, joy of man’s desire,
Holy wisdom, brightest love.
You painted, our souls aspire
Fly toward the uncreated light.
– Martin Janus, “Jesus, joy of man’s desire.”
Editor’s note:
This meditation appears in A weary world rejoices: daily devotions for Advent Edited by Melissa Kruger (TGC, November 2021). Purchase at TGC Bookstore or Amazon.