Joy New Covenant Ministries

Getting along with family members, neighbors, community leaders, and social media friends bring continued life lessons for each of us. I’m dedicating my posts for a period this New Year to some sage advice on how to treat one another. The blessings will reward each of us abundantly. Ephesians 4:31, 32 (NIV) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Peace on earth, goodwill to all. Merry Christmas.

Lyrics of a hymn I learned as a youth are going through my mind. Love was when God became a man. So many scriptures tell us that God is love. That is God’s essence, His nature. Today, this 4th Advent Sunday, we are reminded of that nature as well as the directive for us to love one another. I pray you feel God’s loving embrace as you reflect on the Nativity story and on your life. May love be rich in your heart. 1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us. Below is the link for the hymn Love Was When, sung by The King’s Heralds. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=52WXmE_IpgU

As Christians and students of the Bible, we are familiar with the reading of Luke’s gospel during Christmas season. We read how Mary, the mother of Jesus, rejoiced in song when her cousin Elizabeth prophesied over her (read Luke 1:39-56). We rejoice as we reflect on the nativity story, but our joy is not limited to Holy holidays and celebrations. We are blessed to carry that joy in our hearts, lives, and prayers every day. Psalm 118:24 This is the very day of the Lord that brings gladness and joy, filling our hearts with glee. Romans 5:11 And even more than that, we overflow with triumphant joy in our new relationship of living in harmony with Godall because of Jesus Christ!

The peace that God instills in us gives us courage to move forward through anything going on in our world. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; 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.