Chaplain's Devotional Cornor - Penn-Del Royal Rangers: Joy to the World

"Ye Penn-Del Independence"
Royal Ranger News in the District

Joy to the World

Published Wednesday, December 5, 2007 by pdrangers.

The joy of the Holy Spirit is much more than natural joy. It exists even in the midst of sorrow and disappointment. In fact, it is birthed in suffering. Jesus himself said that divine joy works that way: "You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain...but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world" (John 16:20-21)

"Joy to the world the Lord has come"; is it not tragic that so many have no time for Him? Even more so at this special time of the year. Let us be careful as to make the mistake of pushing our ministry aside for the glitz and glitter of commercialism. Take the time to enjoy our family
and friends; Gods gift to us. Take the time to visit someone homebound or someone in the hospital. Consider visiting a family of one of the boys in your outpost if just to get acquainted; take the time to show them that the church cares about them. Then experience Gods peace for being a caregiver. The peace the Holy spirit gives is the same kind of peace Jesus promised His disciples: "My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Let the peace and joy of this season be to you and your loved ones and always give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in this land of plenty.
Shalom

Labels: 2007, chaplain, joe_finan