Luke 2:20 - KJV " 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

The reason for joy. This is the time of year when the word joy is
everywhere. Joy to the world. I have joy in my heart. Isn't this a joyous
time? YES!! Joy, joy, joy, joy. Let me just take a minute today and tell
you the reason we can even say the word joy. God, our creator, has opened our
eyes and showed us His plan. He has showed us His son being born of a virgin
in a manger, He has showed us the example of the perfect life as we read about
Christ's earthly ministry in the Gospels, He has given us the one and only
sacrifice for our sins in Christ's death on the cross, and He verified it
all in the resurrection of our Lord on that 3rd day.... assuring us of
victory when we put our faith and hope in Jesus. I don't know about you, but if
that isn't reason for joy, I don't know what is. You better stand up right
now, because I think I might start preaching.

I know many of you are struggling with your finances....you should still
have joy today because God said you have riches beyond anything this world
can offer! I know many of you are depressed today because you are
alone...you should still have joy today because God promised He would never
leave you nor forsake you! I know many of you today are having marriage
problems....you should still have joy today because God can mend your broken
heart! I know many of you are fighting addictions to sex, drugs, alcohol, food,
tobacco today....you should still have joy today because God can clean you up and
make you whole again! I know many of you are facing battles at work or
school....you should still have joy today because God said He would fight
for you! I know many of you are dealing with health issues today....you
should still have joy today because God is still in the healing business!

It doesn't matter what the situation, what the struggle, what the
problem....you should still have joy today because Jesus Christ was born,
lived, died, and rose on the 3rd day giving you the assurance that when this
short time here on earth is over, if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus you
will spend eternity with Him!

Don't let the cares of this world steal your joy on this Christmas Eve.
God is still on the throne, still hearing and answering the prayers of His
children, still working miracles. I love you, care about you deeply, and
want you to know the joy this Christmas, that those shepherds knew on that
first Christmas because of all that God had shown them Because of His birth.
We have the true joy of Christmas!!!!

In the love, peace, and joy of Christ,
Your friend and brother,
Bill Keller