Posted by: Daniel G. Topalski

Rejoice, the Word became flesh!

During this Christmas season, we are being gifted by our God with an opportunity to recall the importance of joy in our Christian journey. It is not by accident that Apostle Paul insists: “Rejoice always!” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). He does not mean some constant and causeless pathological gaiety. The joy Paul writes about has its firm grounds in God’s love – always directed to us and revealed in an unthinkable way in Christ’s birth in the flesh: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

And what was unthinkable and scandalous during that time and even now, God did “for us men and for our salvation” (The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed).

 The circumstances in our life may be difficult, and we feel uncertain and full of questions for tomorrow. So how can we find cause to be joyful? How can we learn to rejoice? Joy, as well as love and kindness, can be learned only from experience. “O taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).

Yes, you can taste and see that the Lord is good and loving, that He is a Source of constant joy for those who trust Him. God gives His Son as a gift for men and for the whole world. He gives us the ability and strength to rejoice in the Lord, for we are His sons and daughters, His friends, and His co-workers.

My prayer for all of you on Christmas eve is for God to fill you with a real joy that can warm and raise you, inspire you and renew your strength for being God’s witnesses in this world.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Daniel G. Topalski, President of the Regional Chapter for Eastern Europe

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