Rejoice...even on the hard days.

Hi Sweet Friend!

When I think about my favorite season of the year, I always have images of autumn leaves dancing in the wind, warm comfy scarves, cute boots, and hot steamy mugs filled with all manner of goodness (namely coffee!).

But when I think about my favorite holiday, hands down it's Christmas! I love this time of year because of the excitement I get when I think about the gift that Jesus is for me and for the whole world, past, present, and future.

My perspective is looking back and knowing Him after His resurrection. Yet, everyone at the time of Jesus's birth was anticipating the coming Messiah. They had been waiting hundreds of years!

So when the wise men saw the star in the sky pointing them to the Messiah, Matthew 2:10 says, "...they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." (ESV) The Christian Standard Bible phrases it this way, "...they were overwhelmed with joy." (Matthew 2:10)

The word used for "rejoiced" in this verse is the verb (action word), chairo.

Why is this important?

Because this is the word Jesus later uses in the command we will look at today from Matthew 5:11-12 below.

​Hold up!

We are supposed to have the same action/reaction when we are persecuted for Jesus's sake the wise men had when they learned the Messiah was finally here?

YES!!

But why?

Because Jesus says, "...for your reward is great in heaven..."

It's hard to not feel defensive, resentful, or fearful when others "revile you" or "utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account."

However, we are commanded by Jesus to turn our faces away from the present and look at the eternal future.

Today, with all its trials and tribulations will pass in a few short hours, but when we get to heaven, we will be in the presence of the Trinity forever.

So, for today, rejoice sweet sister "...when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4; ESV)

These commands of Jesus are for our good! They are not meant to be a burden, but meant to give life and freedom in the name that is above every name, Jesus!

If you are struggling today, I'm here and would love to pray for/with you! Reach out and let me know how I can stand side-by-side with you in this season.

May you rejoice and be glad, no matter the circumstances!

In the precious name of Jesus, Amen!

~ Stephanie

StephanieMBullock.com