Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
From the very beginning, joy has been part of God’s divine design for humanity. We were created in His image (Genesis 1:27), and because God Himself is the embodiment of joy, we carry within us the capacity to reflect that joy. True joy does not depend on circumstances but flows from a living relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour (John 15:11). It is a gift and fruit of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 4:4), growing deeper as we walk in faith, obedience, and trust in God (James 1:2–3).
During this Advent season—a time of waiting and hope—we are reminded that even amid life’s uncertainties, we can rejoice because God is with us. The joy of the Lord strengthens us (Nehemiah 8:10) and anchors our hearts when the world feels unstable (Psalm 27:5–7). As we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, let us nurture this joy by spending time in God’s Word, trusting His promises, and guarding our hearts against distractions that steal our peace.
May we remember that Jesus is our unshakable source of joy—deep, enduring, and everlasting.
Uwem Okome
Pray
- Pray for our sister Edmonton area ABA churches: Asian Christian Church, Bethel Korean Baptist, Central Baptist Connors Hill, Central Baptist Southeast, Central Baptist Sherwood Park, Edmonton Japanese Christian Church, Greenfield Community Church, Hillview Baptist, Northgate Baptist, Rabbit Hill Baptist, Southwest Community Church, Steele Heights Baptist, Terwillegar Community Church, Trinity Asian Christian Church, West Meadows Baptist, Zion Baptist Community Church, Leduc Fellowship, Southfork Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Leduc, Parkland Baptist, Sturgeon Valley Baptist, and Stony Plain Baptist.