Verse of the Day for December 24

It is the night before the cross. Judas has gone out. Jesus knows what the next day holds. And this is when he says These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you.

My joy. Of all the things Jesus could have offered that night, he offered his own gladness. Not a lesser copy for disciples, but the joy he had in loving the Father and being loved by him.

Fear was speaking loudly in that room. Peter would deny him within hours. The others would scatter. Jesus spoke first anyway, and his words were meant to be a shelter for when fear got its turn.

And the joy is tied to something practical. That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Full joy is not a private feeling. It grows where people keep loving each other on frightening nights.

When fear speaks first in your morning, before the alarm has finished ringing, answer it with his words. Then do one loving thing for someone in your house. Make the tea. Hold the door. Joy remains where love is obeyed.

The joy Jesus offers is his own, not a smaller version.

Love one person well today and watch what happens to fear.