What captured my attention even more was the look on the boy’s face—his beaming smile matched the words he was singing as he proclaimed to everyone at the gate the joy of the Christ who has come.

This joy is not limited to exuberant children nor should it be confined to the Christmas season. The overflowing joy of knowing Christ’s presence in our lives was one of the themes of Jesus’ final teaching with His disciples the night before He died on the cross. He told them of His extravagant love for them—that He loved them as the Father loved Him (John 15:9). After sharing what this eternal relationship looks like, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (v.11).

What a promise! Through Jesus Christ our hearts can be filled with joy—real joy! —Bill Crowder

Lord, You have chosen me and redeemed me, crowned me with love and compassion. I can do nothing less than overflow with joy at Your great love for me, for those I love, and for the world.

INSIGHT: Jesus often spoke in picturesque language to help people understand what He was saying. In today’s passage, He explains the relationship between Himself and His followers by talking about a vine. The key word in this passage is “abide,” which is used 10 times. We stay connected to (abide in) Him (the vine) by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the reading of His Word, and through prayer. In this way (the branches) remain in fellowship with Him and know true joy.