Joy is the true gift of Christmas… Pope Benedict XVI
God, Who is Joy Himself, is the Giver and Source of Joy. Isaiah wrote, To all who mourn in Israel he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness. Isaiah 61:3a Living Bible
He gives Joy in His presence:
You always show me the path of life.
You will fill me with joy when I am with you.
You will make me happy forever at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 New International Reader’s Version
Joy and laughter are the gifts of living in the presence of God
and trusting that tomorrow is not worth worrying about.
Henri Nouwen
He gives Joy when things seem bleak:
When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.
Psalm 94:19 Christian Standard Bible
I, even I, am he who comforts you and gives you all this joy.
Isaiah 51:12a Living Bible
Joy is distinctly a Christian word and a Christian thing.
It is the reverse of happiness.
Happiness is the result of what happens of an agreeable sort.
Joy has its springs deep down inside.
And that spring never runs dry, no matter what happens.
Only Jesus gives that joy.
He had joy, singing its music within,
even under the shadow of the cross.
S.D. Gordon
Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God.
Experience for yourself the joyous mercies he gives
to all who turn to hide themselves in him.
Psalm 34:8 The Passion Translation
“Joy is the realest reality, the fullest life,
and joy is always given, never grasped.
God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given: joy.”
Ann Voskamp
So don’t ever be afraid, dearest friends! Your loving Father joyously gives you his kingdom realm with all its promises! Luke 12:32 The Passion Translation
Joy is my emotional response to the presence of God. True joy is a gift. (unknown)
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Jesus (John 15:11)
It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy full. A. B. Simpson
