Our and Your

12.25.2010

1 John 1:4 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

You know, sometimes it’s hard to shake the preconceived notions that have taken root in our lives and to remember that our perception, as good as it may be at times, is only as good as it may be. In my Bible, the word, “our” in the above has a notation that says in some manuscripts of the Scripture, our is actually your; that your joy may be complete… like it really matters whether our joy is complete or your joy is complete. What really matters is that somebody's joy is complete.

On this Christmas day I think it’s important to mention that joy (as described in Scripture) is not selfish, self-centered, or self-absorbed – joy is a totally selfless thing and a precious gift from God. I’ve heard that the definition of joy is: knowing that what one does, thinks, or says is totally pleasing to God – therefore joy is the knowledge that my life is pleasing to God; and He derives some sort of benefit thereof. Wow – that God would have joy in my finding His joy… go figure!

I can see now why John would say that he wrote so that his joy would be complete – what could be more fulfilling, thrilling and joyful than sharing really good news with others that their joy would be complete!? I can see now why scribes along the way have wavered back and forth between our and your – they understood that either way somebody gets the selfless gift of Joy knowing our God is totally pleased and satisfied with all that He’s for us done through Jesus Christ. Yeah!

Today my thought is to encourage my loved ones with the selfless gift of joy by encouraging them about the birth of our Savior Who (John says) appeared to take away sins (see 1 John 3.5) in order to open up the way for us to get to know God – if that ain’t joyful news, I don’t know what is!

May your days be merry and bright because God shared with us His light!

Father God,
Thank You! Amen!