Rejoice this Christmas

Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. I wish that you all would experience a Christmas full of rejoicing, but you might cross paths with someone today who isn’t rejoicing, but weeping. In that case, may your weeping with them be a living, holy sacrifice to God as you live to love with Jesus. Today’s Scripture encouragement from Rom. 12:15 is a general encouragement that can be applied to both believers and unbelievers. Paul encouraged the Romans to relate to all people as God gives them to you. If they are rejoicing in something good, then rejoice with them. However, if they are weeping over some misfortune, suffering, or loss, then join them in their pain. More than likely, on Christmas, which typically is a day of rejoicing, we love people by rejoicing together over God’s love in coming to be with us in the person of His Son. Luke recorded the angel saying, Luke 2:10-11 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” This good news is the cause of great joy. I hope you and your loved ones will be intentional today about loving Jesus by rejoicing greatly in God’s provision of a Savior. Perhaps we’ll have opportunities today to share about the great hope we have in Jesus as you share the good news of a great joy which is for all of us. Not only was the Savior given to the world on that first Christmas, but He has accomplished what He came to do. He died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried for 3 days, and then raised by God according to the Scriptures that He might bring us to God. He did this for us so we might live to love with Jesus for the glory of God. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com