What news would you love to receive this Christmas? In this episode, Leslie unpacks the truth that we actually have already received the best news that we could ever imagine; news that promises everlasting life and a life of true happiness. The world’s baubles and trinkets may provide a temporary thrill, but it is only Jesus, God’s Indescribable Gift, that truly satisfies. Tune in for this timely Christmas meditation and go forth into this season with good news of great joy.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
The best news that has ever been or ever will be is: “Behold I give you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
So often we look to success, adventure, opportunity, romance, and more to bring us joy and happiness, but we must never forget that we have already received the best news in the entire world. The secret to true, long-lasting joy that cannot be taken from us is found in Jesus — receiving the joyful news of His salvation and set Him as the true Source for lasting joy in your own life.
Joy is not an emotion or experience, but a decision of the will — a purposeful act that can only be made as we fix our gaze upon Jesus and anchor our soul to Him. If our eyes are on Jesus, we will be happy, but if our eyes are on our circumstances, we will be discontent.
COMMON HAPPINESS MYTHS
Myth #1 — I’ll be happy when my romantic life is perfect.
Biblical Reality: As long as we are looking to another person to meet the needs and longing of our heart, we will be discontent. Only Jesus can truly, wholly satisfy.
Myth #2 — I’ll be happy when people finally notice and/or appreciate me.
Biblical reality: Happiness is found in bringing glory to Jesus, not bringing attention to self.
Myth #3 — I’ll be happy when I can experience the best that life has to offer.
Biblical reality: If we look to earthly things for pleasure, we’ll end up going from one temporary high to the next.
Myth #4 — I’ll be happy when my circumstances change.
Biblical reality: As children of God we need to start asking a new question, “What will bring God glory?” instead of asking, “What will make me happy?”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Jesus was sent to this earth to redeem us, give us everlasting life, and make us part of His family — how could we go in better search of better news than that?
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Psalm 5:11
1 Peter 5:8
Philippians 4:8
Psalm 107:9
1 Timothy 5:16
