John Wesley was about 21 years of age when he went to Oxford University. He came from a Christian home, and he was gifted with a keen mind and good looks. Yet, in those days he was a bit snobbish and sarcastic. One night, however, something happened that set in motion a change in Wesley’s heart. While speaking with a porter, he discovered that the poor fellow had only one coat and lived in such impoverished conditions that he didn’t even have a bed. Yet, he was an unusually happy person, filled with gratitude to God. Wesley, being immature, thoughtlessly joked about the man’s misfortunes. “And what else do you thank God for?” he said with a touch of sarcasm. The porter smiled, and in the spirit of meekness replied with joy, “I thank Him that He has given me a life and being, a heart to love Him, and above all a constant desire to serve Him!” Deeply moved, Wesley recognized that this man knew the secret of real joy. So, where is Joy Found?
Not in unbelief, Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I had never been born.” Not in pleasure, Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.” Not in money, Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.” Not in position and fame, Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.” Not in military glory, Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent because, he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.” Where then is real joy found? The answer is simple, in Christ alone; or as R. A. Torrey said, “There is more joy in Jesus in 24 hours than there is in the world in 365 days. I have tried them both.”
This week’s advent celebration is about Joy… the joy that Jesus brought into a dark world and still brings today. “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” (Luke 2:10–11) This is our joy at Christmas. And this joy is more than receiving and giving gifts, it is the joy of our salvation. It is the hope we have beyond this life. So, lift your song today, and with JOY let’s celebrate His arrival.
World Outreach Offering Goal of $115,000… has almost been achieved. It will bless our mission partners and it will further the work of the great commission to take the gospel to our world. Thanks for your heart, thanks for your generosity and thanks for helping carry on the work of the Kingdom of God. And remember, God is always trying to take us someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
Merry CHRISTmas,
Pastor Ray
