Day Five
Receiving the Gift of Joy
Romans 10:8-13; John 3:16-21
Reading
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Reading
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.
18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
Devotional
Perhaps you've read these devotions feeling distant from the joy described. Maybe your heart is too broken, your burdens too heavy, your circumstances too dark. Here's the beautiful truth: joy begins not with trying harder but with receiving Christ. He came to earth specifically for people who cannot manufacture their own joy—the broken, the weary, the sinful, the desperate. Salvation isn't about religious performance; it's about relationship with the One who is joy's source. If you've never surrendered your life to Christ, today is your opportunity. Confess your need, believe in His death and resurrection for you, and receive His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. For believers struggling to feel joy, remember: joy isn't primarily an emotion but a decision to trust Christ regardless of feelings. Root yourself again in His unchanging character and unfailing promises.
Reflection:
If you were to examine your life honestly, is your security rooted in markets, systems, and circumstances, or in the nearness of the Lord? What practical steps could shift your foundation more fully to Christ?
Perhaps you've read these devotions feeling distant from the joy described. Maybe your heart is too broken, your burdens too heavy, your circumstances too dark. Here's the beautiful truth: joy begins not with trying harder but with receiving Christ. He came to earth specifically for people who cannot manufacture their own joy—the broken, the weary, the sinful, the desperate. Salvation isn't about religious performance; it's about relationship with the One who is joy's source. If you've never surrendered your life to Christ, today is your opportunity. Confess your need, believe in His death and resurrection for you, and receive His gift of forgiveness and eternal life. For believers struggling to feel joy, remember: joy isn't primarily an emotion but a decision to trust Christ regardless of feelings. Root yourself again in His unchanging character and unfailing promises.
Reflection:
If you were to examine your life honestly, is your security rooted in markets, systems, and circumstances, or in the nearness of the Lord? What practical steps could shift your foundation more fully to Christ?
Posted in Advent 2025: Joy
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