There are but three avenues open to the individual, and “the joy of life” is dependent upon the choice. They are: rebellion, resignation, and reconciliation. –Joseph Fort Newton
Every one is trying to find Joy at Christmas. But in the hunt for gifts for both getting and giving we can find ourselves at odds with the Christian mindset.
2 Corinthians 5:17–19 (ESV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
rebellion: this is the state of the sinner, rebellion against God leads to rebellion against man While we need the rebellion to be put down in our lives and are unable to do that on our own.
resignation: This is the way we have to be. We just decide, we are sinners there is no change. While this is true in one sense the act of sanctification is a process that is on going, do not stay in your sin, repent and move forward!
reconciliation: this is where we rest. Reconciled to God through Christ. Our reconciliation is a time of peace but also one of action. We put the Gospel in Action in our lives. What is in us comes out of us.
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Co5.17-19 #reconciliation #rebellion #resignation #joyoflife #life #joy