Spiritual Practice
Joy to the World
Fasten your seatbelts, and prepare for takeoff.” Those words were like music to my ears. Ready to experience Christmas around the world, I was headed for Malaysia to visit my sister for the holidays. As we flew across different nations and seacoasts, I wondered how these countries were celebrating.
Arriving in Malaysia, I noticed that everyone was jovial and busy getting ready for Christmas. In Algeria, where I was doing my university studies, I had seen no lights or decorations; but here everyone was preparing for the holiday in much the same way we do in my home country, Zimbabwe.
[The angel said,] “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Luke 2:10 (NIV)
Some people seemed to be overcome with joy that Christmas was approaching. As we boarded the train at the airport, I vividly remember a young Nigerian girl shouting, “Thank you, Jesus! This is the best Christmas of my life!” I smiled at her, realizing I could not have said it better.
REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY: Are you travelling for Christmas this year? As you ride through cities or fly across countries, pray that the good news of Christ’s birth will bring great joy to people in these places and all around the world.
—from devozine (November/December 2018). Copyright © 2018 by The Upper Room®. All rights reserved.