Shout for joy! When was the last time you ever felt like doing that? Fear, uncertainty, pressure, negativity, disappointment, and a myriad other human experiences can rob us of joy. We can never predict what life will bring. As unsettling as that can often seem, life’s unpredictability is also the very thing that allows it to be exciting and adventuresome! We know that life can be difficult, and it is unrealistic to expect it to be otherwise. God never promised an easy road. But, when a person truly falls in love with God and discovers the peacefulness and assurance of God’s presence, then a depth of understanding will be brought to everything they do and experience. Nothing will be able to rob them of joy! When we realize that God, the King of Israel, is in our midst and with us, there is no further misfortune to fear.
We celebrate the beauty and wonder of God's gift of joy today as we ready ourselves, even more excitedly, for the coming of our Savior. Do not fear and do not be discouraged. There is power and presence within us, our God, who has made us, who loves us, and who will keep us. What more do we need?