Welcome to the post-holiday season: the days following Christmas when family and friends return to their homes… when Christmas decorations are taken down and stored for another year… when leftovers in the fridge become dad’s task to finish… when store parking lots are filled once again with moms returning and exchanging gifts... when radio stations stop playing songs about Joy to the world.

Just in case the post-holiday blues are finding their way into your home, I’m writing this as a reminder to pursue Joy. Our joy is found in the numerous promises of God’s grace. God’s unmerited favor has been given to undeserving people like you and me. Allow me to share just a few truths:

By God’s grace, we have been uniquely made in the image of God the Almighty (Genesis 1:26)

By God’s grace, we have been established with souls that exist into eternity (Genesis 2:7) 

By God’s grace, we have been given dominion as caretakers over God’s creation (Genesis 1:26)

By God’s grace, we have been granted purpose and duty in life (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

By God’s grace, we have been lavished with wisdom and understanding (James 1:5)

By God’s grace, we have been allotted a time of judgment before God (James 2:13)

By God’s grace, we have been given Jesus Christ as payment for our sins (1 John 2:2)

By God’s grace, we have been granted Jesus Christ as our mediator before God (1 Timothy 2:5)

By God’s grace, we have been bestowed with fruit produced by God’s holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

By God’s grace, we have been promised eternal shelter in the presence of God (Revelation 7:15-17)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, our joy does not come from things we can see or feel. It does not come from other people. It comes from grace… an unwarranted favor that has been lavishly bestowed upon each of us who follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Take advantage of this post-holiday season to demonstrate the true source of our joy to the world... God’s grace.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).