The Joy of Life!

God has given us NEW LIFE in Christ! What a tremendous blessing this is to all of us who love the Lord. The Message translation of John 1:4,5 says it wonderfully: "What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out." A clear definition of what this life entails comes from John 10:1-10 which tells of the time when Jesus was speaking to His disciples about His responsibility to them as the Good Shepherd. Right after this, in verse 10, He tells them about the purpose of His coming and the kind of life He would bring. To help us better understand this verse, consider the following translations:

The Amplified says, "I came that they may have and enjoy life."

The New Living says, "My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life."

The J.B. Phillips says, "I came to bring them life, and far more than before."

Clearly, Jesus is pointing to the fact that we Christians are called to experience a life that is beyond the ordinary - in fact, it is meant to be extraordinary! It is meant to be a life that is filled with joy and wonder. It is God's kind of life that is available to all who live in the fullness of the Spirit. As we approach the Christmas season this year, how good it would be if we all decided to enjoy life to its fullest. Take time to visit and share meals with friends, family and fellow believers. Laugh often and find ways to have lots and lots of fun. Above all, let the true Spirit of Christmas fill each one of us with joy unspeakable and full of glory - a joy that constantly gives praise to God for the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ!