During the Christmas season several outstanding words that are prominently used are Love, Joy, and Peace, each being a treasure in itself. God has brought all three to us as a gift in “the Man Christ Jesus” 1 Timothy 2:5. To have the love of family and friends is a treasure greater than earthly wealth and riches can afford, but greater still is the love of God who “demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8. And then probably the best known verse in the entire Bible, John 3:16 “For God so loved the world [you and I] that He gave His only begotten Son…” Have you reciprocated that love by embracing Him as Lord and Savior in your life? Second is the treasure of joy. When you love someone dearly you really want them to be filled with happiness and joy, and you will do everything in your power to see that they have it. Jesus, who in reality was “God in the flesh”, has done everything He could do so we could have His joy within; the only remaining ingredient is up to us which is to repent of our sins and fully open our “heart” to Him. He said to His followers, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” John 15:11. That is fullness of joy, abiding joy, and continuous joy that is not dependant on the surrounding circumstances! And the third treasure is that of inner peace, a treasure that seems to be becoming more and more rare in a strife ridden, war torn world; yet in the midst of the storms and chaos of life and the world around us, to all that through true repentance and faith have come to know and walk with Him He says: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” John 14:27. This is the peace that Paul describes in Philippians 4:7 as “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding [that] will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” These are the triple treasures of love, joy, and peace, found only in Jesus in every storm of life whether personal, national, or international; they are beyond natural comprehension and are available only to those who have truly been “born again” and Know Him.
The Treasures of Love, Joy, and Peace
-By Rose Hill
Today we will not forget the treasure of love,
Sent to us from the Father above.
In sending His Son like a baby so small,
To deliver us from sin – saving us from the fall.
Oh what a treasure our salvation divine,
That we now know is yours and mine.
Joy is also a priceless treasure,
Christ gives in fullness beyond measure.
His joy and delight He places within,
When we obey and live for Him.
We have a great treasure that is within,
When we are delivered from strife and sin.
It is a peace in knowing we are forgiven,
And for our Savior we are living.
Our hearts are not troubled or even afraid,
We have peace in knowing He’ll do what He said.
Based on John 3:16; 15:1; and 14:7
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. Used by permission.