The Joy of Christmas

Today I will continue the 2nd Element of Christmas; "The Joy Of Christmas"

What does the word joy means to you? I still remember this phrase up til now ever since the our Hope Ipoh has celebrated her anniversary. Most people may answer the of feel happiness and etc...But I'm here to share a new definition of the word joy. Joy is like love, as it is not merely emotion but rather a decision.

Three main areas of focus if you want to experience joy. We will use the pneumonics/acronym of "JOY" also.
Jesus
Others
Yourself

For the alphabet "J" the letter symbolizes Jesus, where we should focus/put our eyes on Jesus.  [Galactians 2: 20]--> I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Through Christ lives in us, we are able to experience joy because of His love and our Father's abundant plans that He sets for us. When we have Jesus, we have more than anything else, as you can find the TRUE JOY/HAPPINESS. Remember Jesus in our heart always!

As for the letter "O" it reprsents Others. The second area that we should pay attention to is "Others". Let's discuss the verse related. Acts 20: 35 says that In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Well, these days we even noticed that the value of altruism [selfless concern for the welfare of others first] has disappeared in the society. We can track this even in a restraurant itself! People always choose the best for themselves first then the rest which are not decent/good then give it to others. However, we should never instill/practice this kind of value in us. We can obtain joy by "giving ourselves to others". It means it is not about what we get and what can we get in return, but what we can give to others. The bible also encourage us through Matthew 25:40; “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

The final area that we are focusing in is Yourself from the letter "Y". It's rather more into attitude itself. We should always have a positive/optimistic mindset. As commands/movements of flesh will be controlled by our mind. Having a right attitude to follow Jesus is very important too as it keeps us continue to follow Him closely and Faithfully. Always remember this point that "noone/nothing can rob anything from us except of ourselves!"

Why putting ourselves last rather than first?
1) God's word have spoken in Romans 15: 1~3  that We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 
2) Lesson through Christ's Character


Conclusion
1) Always remember that Christmas is all about Jesus and Joy.
2) Remember Jesus in your heart.
3) Joy does not obtain trough worldly materials, but through Jesus.
4) Nothing can rob anything from us except ourselves.
5) Give ourselves to others.