THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS: The Gift of JOY // JOY Starts with Saying YES to Jesus

Embracing the JOY of Jesus will transform our lives, not just during the Christmas season but all year round. Let's explore this truth, drawing inspiration from the story of the angels and the shepherds, who discovered the joy of saying "yes" to God's invitation. Let's unpack how joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, intrinsic part of our relationship with Him. Whether you're navigating the complexities of life or facing moments of loneliness, this episode invites you to consider how accepting God's invitation can lead you to a lasting and fulfilling joy.

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“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with JOY in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV

SEEK HIM: Devotion is Meeting with God in Our Own Lives! Christmas is known as the happiest time of the year, but what about the rest of the year? What gives us true happiness? Thing is, Jesus came at Christmas bringing the gift of His presence. This can fill us with joy at Christmas and always. Let’s spend some time unwrapping the gift of joy through His Word!

• WHAT:  What is God saying through this Scripture? God doesn’t just give occasional joy; He promises to fill us up with joy as we stay close to Him. He helps us know what paths to follow, and He gives us joy as we walk with Him along the way. ~ Does God sound like a generous gift giver in our key verse? What stands out to you from our verse? Where is joy found? 
• WHY:  Why does this Scripture matter? The truth of our key verse mattered so much to the Apostle Peter that he recited it in his testimony centuries later (Acts 2:28). Joy in God’s presence has mattered to generations of His people, and we can choose for this to matter to us, too. ~ How does this verse encourage you? What does God’s presence feel like to you? What type of path do you want to walk?
• HOW: How does God want us to respond to this truth? Each of us gets to decide every day whether or not we will stay close to Jesus. Being in His presence means being mindful of Him, relying on Him, talking to Him and spending time with Him in His Word. This is His path that keeps us close to Him and will result in giving us joy. ~ How are you choosing to stay close to Jesus? How much joy do you have today? 

SPEAK HIM: Discipleship is Making God Known to Others! After Christmas, we put away the decorations, but the joy of God’s presence can decorate our lives all year long. As we “Seek Him,” we can pray with joy (Philippians 1:4), ask for more joy (Psalm 86:4) and sing with joy, because “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:2a, 3 NIV). God’s gift of joy is always available, and we can “open” this gift and experience His joy again and again. What’s more, our joy with Him can overflow so that we “Speak Him” and share His joy with others, at Christmastime and always. 

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The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media.

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