“Joy to the world the Lord has come!”. At Christmas we celebrate and rejoice in the birth of the Saviour who brings salvation to the world. He came to redeem, to reconcile and restore. Advent reminds us of a day that is coming when the risen, exalted Jesus will return and wipe away every tear from our eyes. Sin will be no more. Crying and pain will be gone forever and never-ending streams of praise and joy will flow from our hearts.

But what about now… as we see the brokenness of a hurting world, as we live with a blend of happiness and sorrow, celebration and loss, laughter and tears? As disciples/apprentices of Jesus what do we make of Jesus words when he said to his disciples “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be full." John 15:11

What Jesus offers is something far greater, deeper and richer than happiness. This joy that is found in Jesus is profound enough to be all sustaining and everlasting. It gives us cheer when we grieve; it comforts us when we're suffering; it strengthens us when we are weak. But, ultimately, it assures us of an everlasting delight in the loving arms of God for all eternity.