Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Devotion based on Philippians 4:4-7

“There’s no place like home for the holidays!” That’s what one classic Christmas song says. Our fondest memories of Christmas likely take us back to being at home with family sitting around the Christmas tree, singing, laughing, and expressing joy in whatever way possible.

Do you know where the apostle Paul was when he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always”? He wasn’t in the comfort of his home or gathered with family and friends celebrating a holiday. He was in prison for sharing the good news about Jesus. That makes the joy he expresses more intriguing. How can one rejoice even when unjustly imprisoned? How can I rejoice even when I’m going through hard times, grieving, or whatever unpleasant thing is happening in my life?

You can still rejoice because real joy, rooted in Jesus, lasts. We possess this joy everywhere and all the time. Notice that today’s Bible passage says, “Rejoice in the Lord…” When our joy is in the Lord and not in our circumstances, joy lasts because Jesus and his promises will never change. We can rejoice anywhere and anytime because “the Lord is near.” He was with Paul in prison. He is with you whether you are near or far from family this Christmas, no matter what.

Christ came to give us a joy that is deep and a joy that lasts because it’s not tied to the changing seasons or circumstances of life. Real joy is found in this: The Lord has taken away our punishment and he rejoices over us! He considers it a joy to be our Savior! Someday, we will truly be home for Christmas, and for eternity because the Lord will come again to bring us home at last!

Prayer: