In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
He will raise a signal for the nations
and will assemble the banished of Israel,
and gather the dispersed of Judah
from the four corners of the earth. Isaiah 11:10, 12
Gathered in Joy – Isaiah 11:10,12 (December 24)
Jesus is a gatherer of the dispersed. We were spread apart and separated from God in His holiness and the people who are His Church. Through His gift of salvation, Jesus gathers the dispersed together in joy.
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11
A Cheering Section in Heaven
In fact, we even have a joyous cheering section in heaven. The Christians who have gone before us witness our race of faith. They celebrate with the angels as even one sinner repents and is brought into the family of God.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:1-3
The Words of Jesus Bring Joy
This thought alone should encourage us and help us to keep going when we feel faint-hearted or weary. However, Jesus Himself said that He came so that His joy could be fulfilled in us. We have access to the joy of Jesus in our daily, on-earth lives.
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. John 17:13
Action Step:
We need to tap into the joy of Jesus this Christmas. Let’s decide today to choose to gather with other believers, even if it is online or on the phone. Let’s decide to choose walking in the joy of Jesus today.
Prayer:
Dear God, Help us to feel and see Your joy in our everyday lives. Give us the courage to keep going when we are discouraged. Gather us together in Your name and bring us joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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