J = Jesus First (Matt 6:33)
O = Others Second (Philippians 2:3-4)
Y = Yourself Last (Matt 20:25-28)
Happiness is way overrated. Many people's life goal is "to be happy", but happiness is based on our circumstances... on what's "happening". If things are going good then we are happy, if things are going bad then we are unhappy.
Jesus offers something way better than happiness. He offers JOY. Joy isn't a "fair weather friend" like happiness. Joy can still rejoice on the inside even when things fall apart on the outside. Joy rejoices whether you get everything you want for CHRISTmas or if you don't. To be happy will cost you a lot of money and it won't last long, but JOY is free and available 24/7... JOY is so much better than happiness.
As we approach CHRISTmas I wonder, have you received the greatest gift ever given - the gift that is the meaning of CHRISTmas - the joyous gift of Jesus Christ coming into your heart and saving your soul? That is the true meaning of CHRISTmas... As Jesus said, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" It may not be the gift you were asking for this CHRISTmas, but it can be the greatest gift you will ever receive.
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