Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Joy to the World

Luke 2v10 “I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people.”

What is the difference between happiness and joy? Some have suggested that happiness is about sensory pleasure while joy is derived from soul satisfying, emotional well-being. While happiness comes from outside things, joy is about the inner self.

In which case, it  would seem that Jesus didn’t come to make us happy because he promised, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16v33). But he did come to give that deep inner joy that bubbles up from within even in difficult circumstances. How is this possible?

Our joy is grounded in Jesus who is our Saviour and Lord. He is the one who has loved us and continues to love us. He is the one who brings us to our Father God and through whom we are now children of God. And we know that in Him is ultimate victory. Indeed, Jesus continues, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” (John 16v33). As we allow our souls to connect with God and these truths, He satisfies our soul, and our inner being is filled with joy.

I wish you a Happy Christmas, but even more, I wish you a JOYFUL Christmas.

With love and blessing,

Roland