Joyfully Praise Him!

            Have you had your Joy Juice today?  It’s an amazing drink that makes you feel warm and JOYful from the inside out!  You may even want to sing!

            Christmas Day has come and gone, but let’s remember that the JOY of Christmas can last the whole year through!  We should “marvel” at the goodness of God for sending His Son to the earth for us.  We should see the “amazing” truth that without Him, we are lost.

            Let’s revisit the passage in Luke that tells about Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple and meeting Simeon.  Verses 29-32 tell us that Simeon was moved by the Holy Spirit and knew that he was meeting the Messiah, Christ.  He was overjoyed…and broke out in praise!  Here are his words again:

 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
   you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
 and the glory of your people Israel.” 

Verse 33 tells how Joseph and Mary reacted to Simeon’s words:
“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.” 

            Do you see the joy in this short passage?  Simeon….overflowing with joy for living long enough to see the Messiah…singing praises to God.  And Mary and Joseph quietly marveling over the continued revelation of God.

            It doesn’t matter whether we loudly rejoice or quietly marvel over God’s goodness.  The important thing is to praise Him…joyfully….for His faithful love.