Joyful and Triumphant

The Christmas season always puts me in a spirit of reflection. Even during the chaos of shopping, decorating, baking, and checking my list twice, daily, I have stopped to savor not only the holy season, but a year in review. The song, “O, Come, All Ye Faithful”, has resonated with me. But two words stand out as my theme for 2018.

Joyful and triumphant.

Joyful. Praising God in worship and song for all He has done in blessings and corrections.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.”  (“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”)

“Now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself . . . “ 1 Peter 1:8 (TLB)

Joy is fuel to uplift and change our life and others. People are attracted to joy. Joy is contagious. When I am down, the first thing I do is put on praise and worship music. Within minutes the spirit of joy fills my being.  Be joyful, show joy, and teach others the joy of faith in Christ.

Triumphant. “If we can come to a place in our spiritual walk where we can see God at work in both our triumphs and tragedies, we’ll find new peace in our souls. That’s called living with an eternal perspective.” (David Jeremiah) To be triumphant is to be victorious and live with an eternal perspective.

“We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb

And the word of our testimony, everyone overcome.

Savior, worthy of honor and glory,

Worthy of all our praise, You overcame.

Jesus, awesome in power forever,

Awesome and great is Your name,

You overcame.”       (“Overcome” by Jeremy Camp)

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

Shine in the power of victory in Christ. Let your glow, the aroma of a spirit filled with Christ, emanate from you.

Praying each of you will feel joyful and triumphant, victorious, as you look back over 2018 and see God’s hand in your life. Merry Christmas! Jesus has come! Praise His Holy Name!

Triumphant in the light of His glory,

Angela