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Joy

 Joy is a response of the heart stemming from the hope that is produced when the Holy Spirit fills us with love. ‘Joy’ and ‘grace’ are closely related in translation. We have joy because of the grace of God. When we begin to value God’s presence and promises, we are released by His love into His grace and filled with joy. This is the process of faith.

The Holy Spirit is the spirit of comfort and joy. Regardless of what life brings our way, we can remain joyful and comforted knowing the Holy Spirit is with us and will supply our needs. 

     During the 15th century, a city of significance would have walls around the perimeter. Watchmen would stand guard on the walls and communicate with flags during the day and with horns at night. They were required to be skilled musicians, and often played for weddings and celebrations.

       One such watchman wrote “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. This was a dark time for the church, but God was using a watchman to proclaim comfort and joy.

He wrote:
                      “God rest you merry gentlemen
                       Let nothing you dismay,                      
                       Remember Christ our Savior
                       Was born on Christmas Day
                       To save poor souls from
                       Satan’s power, which long time
                       Had gone astray
                       O tidings of comfort and joy,
                       Comfort and joy,
                       O tidings of comfort and joy.”


        Believing is the key to remaining in joy. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). “The fullness of joy comes to those who continue in the love of Christ and obey Him” (John 15:11).

Pastor Beth Bailey

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